checkitoff

I found this picture this morning when I was loading pics to my computer. It just spoke volumes to me. There is always so much more to a picture than what you see. And sometimes we need to see the picture to illuminate something that we cannot see, perhaps because we are too close. This picture just moves me. I love the pointed toes and the outstretched arms. The suntanned back and the shoulder muscles. The poise balanced with the power. It just evokes a certain strength to me. 

So this is my 8 year old. She is brave and fearless, yet very tender hearted. This picture was taken a few nights ago. She ended up failing the dive. It was supposed to be with a half twist. I was the announcer and read what was written on her dive sheet, but there was a mixup between her and the coach and what dives they had discussed her doing. She ended up failing 2 dives that night. In my eyes, she was simply awesome.  She also did a front flip and landed on her back. It too was a failed dive but I was so proud of her for trying it. She has had a hard week trying to figure out how to work with her coach. Championships are one week away and she has lost her desire to dive. We have had little talks and she made a list to review with her coach. So when I saw this picture, I almost cried to see such perfection.

I have a feeling this girl is going to do important things in her life. She may not be a diver, but she sure does have so many things figured out for being an 8 year old. Although it isn't easy, I am enjoying watching her stretch her boundaries.

And I guess that is what my kids have taught me, that it is ok to stretch and go outside of my boundaries, particularly if it isn't easy.
hugs,
Cathy M.