Even when they seem embarrassed cheer for the kids....

Many parents and guardians are unable to cheer from the sidelines at games and recitals because of work or other obligations. Here's an excerpt from my book that touches on my days playing field hockey in high school. I didn't have a cheerleader but I chose to be one for others. Seek out a kid (preferably one you know haha) and try it if you can :-)

"When I first joined the Field Hockey team I was enthusiastic but truthfully joined because three of my friends did. Although, I hadn’t played most of my junior year because of foot surgery, I was still a part of the team. Having sympathy for me and realizing how sad I was about not being able to contribute to the team, my coach made me the team manager. My duties included cleaning up after the girls and keeping a back up record of the scores during games. I didn’t really feel like a team member but it was better than nothing. I was very shy and was never the most outgoing person and so outside of my friends nobody paid me much attention. It hurt a little but it nothing compared to my home life so I could deal with it.

 

When I did play prior to my surgery, I would be envious of the fact that my teammates had family cheering them on. My mother was never able to make my games because of work and so I never got the pleasure and the feeling of encouragement that so many of my teammates were fortunate to experience. I always vowed that should I have children I would be there for as many games as I could. I never had children, but when my cousin ran track I was there cheering her on. When my brother ran track and wrestled I was there in the stands cheering for him too. I even cheered on the soccer matches for my best friends little cousin. It was as if I was making up for what I lacked in my youth. The problem is, that nothing can heal that kind of wound. It sticks with you forever. You can stay focused on it and feel the constant stinging and pain or you can accept it as another scar that makes up the person you are. I chose to accept it and move on" 

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