While doing a little bit of research for my Video Sunday post on LaneBailey.com, I ran across this video... I have to say... it brought a tear to my eye.
A lot of my friends on Active Rain know that my 5 year old plays ice hockey. He loves it. He isn't particularly good, but he's 5... And there is such joy on his face while he is out on the ice playing. And as I watch the Winter Olympics, I often think about the parents... and the sacrifices THEY made in order for their kids to become these incredible athletes.
In order for Garrett to play ice hockey, in addition to the money (racing is more expensive...) there is the time. The nearest rink to us is 30 minutes away. It isn't such a big deal right now, but if he were playing league hockey, he would have two practices and one or two games each week.
But what about the families of these Olympians? Many of them practice EVERY DAY. And many of tham have practiced every single day since they were kids. The parents vacation time involved going to tournaments. Their leisure weekends involved more tournaments and practices. They became experts in equipment and managing travel. Their kids had to learn time management in order to participate in school, but the parents had to enforce it and keep everything on track...
Coach, Manager, Psychologist, Motivator... Mom, Dad... And I bet that there are no prouder people in the world than the ones that look on... win or lose... while their kids "play." And I can only imagine the disappointment if their child falls or wrecks out of competition...
Here's to the Moms & Dads of all of the Olympians.
To Their Moms, They'll Always Be Kids (P&G Commercial)
