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Words a mom never wants to hear, let alone witness happen to their child. And so we commence the 2014/2015 Wrestling season. William and Benjamin wrestled in a meet on Saturday and a tournament on Sunday. Both boys are still learning how to control their emotions. This is one of the main reasons we have them in wrestling. As a parent, it is not easy knowing your child is going to get thrown around on a mat. We send them off with a 'Good luck,' "I love you,' or 'Try your best.' Meanwhile, Steve takes his position as coach- toning down his role as Daddy for three long minutes. I begin pacing, sweaty palms tucked in my pockets. Reality check: They aren't the best wrestlers. They aren't bad, but they aren't great. They are okay. And that is okay. Wrestling is teaching them so many things about life. You see, it is my belief that wrestling is 50% mental, 25% strength, and 25% technique. I have had the unfortunate opportunity to witness some of the best wrestlers lose matches because they mentally psyched themselves out. Mid-match, tears streaming. William took his first loss pretty hard and was not able to control his emotions. We took away his beloved tablet for a week due to his actions. Lesson learned? We can only hope. As parents, our number one goal is to raise our boys to be wonderful men. Men that can accept a challenge, learn from the experience, and become a better person because of it. Men that are able to control their emotions in any given situation. Whether the situation is self imposed or not. Fair or unfair. Men that watch their words and understand that you can't take them back. Men that learn early on that forgiveness is a gift in and of itself. Men that love and can be loved. Men that aren't afraid to say "I love you" and "I am sorry." Lecturing them about such is simply not enough. Putting them in situations is not simply enough. It is in the moments between, when they take a moment to think about and reflect on their choices. The choices that led to their actions. Those are the moments we relish as parents. In those quiet moments of reflection we witness the growth of our children. Don't get me wrong. We also offer a hug or a high five. But not because they 'win or lose.' And so the journey continues . . . xoxo Traci UPDATE: 12-22-2014 William had 5 tough matches in the Kennett Open on Sunday, December 21, 2014. He lost his first 4 matches and came back with a win in his fifth and final match of the day.
However, William redefined sportsmanship and proved to himself that he can handle his emotions, even amidst tough and painful circumstances. Don't get me wrong, he cried. He cried hard. But, he didn't throw his head gear, yell, or act in a disrespectful manner. The icing on the cake was later that evening. As we enjoyed a family movie, William looked up at me, grabbed me around the waist, and said, "I am really proud of myself today Mom." You should be buddy. |
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AuthorTraci, a wife, mother of two boys, Special Education teacher, and sole proprietor of Eco Alternatives LLC. Archives
September 2021
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