My Very Own Cheerleader

Have you ever played a sport and gotten cheered on? Been on a football team with cheerleaders jumping and chanting and spurring you on? Marched in the band with the crowds dancing along? Been in a play and received a standing ovation?

Those times are usually few and far between. We always need cheerleaders in our life. Especially during the dark times, the lonely times, the hard times.

When I was in college, my sister J** sent me a cheerleading picture of herself. Written on the back where these words: I’m your biggest fan. That really warmed my heart when I read those words and I carried that picture in my planner for a very long time.

My sister is a very successful and capable lady. She does the most phenomenal things. Worked for CNN, had internships with the Democratic National Convention and CSPAN, was class president throughout high school, was involved in tons of sports and clubs and band and church…You name it, she did it. She is cute and fun and smart and energetic. Not only that, she has lots of homemaking skills: cooking, cross-stitching, knitting, quilting, baking, etc. Super well rounded. Very out going.

(Ladies on SCS think I’m a “Martha.” Boy would they be blown over to learn of my sister’s talents.)

This month, in my sister’s monthly, four page newsletter, there was a full page article about me, complete with pictures. I was so touched and so surprised and so honored. Bawled through the entire first reading of it. The article was overflowing with praise and compliments and even some of the funnies in my life. It was certainly nice to be showcased. As an adult, in the regular world, we aren’t show cased too often, are we?

When I started thinking about this entry, I thought I had one cheerleader in my life…but the more I think about it, I’ve have a few of them rooting for me. Some cheerleaders come and go, while others have been with me for the long haul. I have a pile of little notes from friends and acquaintances throughout the years, expressing words of kindness. My grandmother was someone I could always call and count on to “be on my side.” And now, more than ever before I realize that my mom is probably the biggest cheerleader I have going for me.

So here is a challenge to those of you who read my blog...Go out and be a cheerleader for someone. Boost someone's spirits once a day. I'm sure that yours will be lifted too.

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for my oldest two kids. #1 started first grade while #2 went to kindergarten. Each of them went to "Young Fives" before starting kindergarten. What a decision that was! Since their bdays were Aug/Sept, I wanted them to be fully 5 when they started school. On top of that, since they are less than a year apart in age, they could have been in the same grade. There so many "ifs" and "what-ifs" when we were trying to figure out what would have been the best option. Our district has a "schools of choice" option too. So that was a few more choices added to the mix!

As I took my DD to the one hour long "meet the teacher and check out your classroom," I could see how she had grown over the last year as she attended Young Fives. Last year, she would have wanted me nearby. Not really clinging to me, but wanting to know I was around. This year, she took right off, knew what she was going to do and where she was going, even though she is attending a new school.

She has a neighbor friend who is a young five year old starting kindergarten and my DD wanted to show this friend where to go. She held her friend's hand instead of mine. And consequently, the friend dropped her mom's hand and the two girls took off to find each of their classrooms together.

In the classroom, my daughter met a girl who will be sitting at her table this year. These two girls will also be sharing a locker...and I'm sure, they will also be sharing many smiles and laughter together too. They were buddy-buddy from the get go. Deciding which hook to use for their backpacks and which hook to use for their coats. Chatting in line as they waited to tour the school bus. Holding hands as we toured the school. Oblivious to either one's mother.

And oblivious to other things...like race. For this new friend is the only black person in my DD's class. I was more than pleased to see that my daughter looks past skin color when meeting and becoming friends with someone.

But that is what we want, right? Self-assured children who can venture out and learn and grow and develop into strong, happy reliable adults. Based on what I've seen, my daughter is on her way!