Today being Mother's Day I can only think of how life has evolved from the day the kids came into my life. I remember when I was single and all I had to think of was myself. Then when I got married,as newlyweds-my husband and I were each other's entire world and then when the babies came along inadvertently our lives started evolving around the kids. Everything we planned we planned around the kids -their schedule, their lives, even around their waking and sleeping hours. And within a few short years our lives are now punctuated with the weekends and evenings of driving the kids back and forth to practices and games and how we have allowed those numerous practices and games to consume our lives.
But then on the other hand when you come from a cultural background where Sports is a distraction and the emphasis is on education then yes, it is always a struggle to find a balance-that fine balance. In some strange way you do find a balance and hope and pray while you sit in the bleachers that you have drawn the line at the right spot.
I can't forget the moments rushing home to get an ice pack on a child’s bruised knee or waiting for the swelling to go down or waiting to see if that bone was indeed broken. As I put on my many chores and obligations on hold and sit in the bleachers my mind is preoccupied with dinner. On any given day dinner is one of the following-rushed dinner, delayed dinner,slow cooked dinner or drive thru dinner. Hours spent driving the kids back and forth translate into the many stops at gas stations to fill up gas and the many visits to portopotties to empty bladders. My life in the bleachers is not just watching my kids play sports but it has been a life of watching my kids be part of orchestra concerts, choir concerts, spelling bee contests, award ceremonies, sports banquets and not to mention school plays and field days.
I do confess I have done some of these begrudgingly and some with more of a cheerleader attitude on other days. I do have to take into account that as years go by I have come to embrace my life in the bleachers. I am very aware that this is where I pray the most for my kids’ successes and safety. I have gladly let go of ‘my time’ and start focusing on pouring into my kids and their needs. Like I heard on the radio few days ago- being a mother is not a job it is a privilege. It indeed is a privilege to watch your children shoot for their dreams-to watch them fight and strive for excellence. A privilege to watch them try their hardest in doing what they love- to win some and lose some- and ultimately find their niche. Life in the bleachers has a great view filled with great memories and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
