My Gymnast's First Meet

The judge lifts her arm, and my gymnast presents to the judges before mounting onto a surface that measures 3.9 inches wide and is lifted four feet high above the ground that awaits one toe slightly not placed right.  Over and over and over she has practiced this routine.  Toes pointed.  Straight legs.  Steady turns.  Now all eyes are pointed towards her, just as they had on the floor exercise, the vault, and the bars that she had already completed. I wait.  I look at the judges, pens in hands, waiting for every move.  My eyes glance to her coaches, instructing and encouraging.  And then there's me: nervous on the hard metal stands and so proud of her.  If I let my emotions go, tears would find their way down my cheeks, but I try to hold it together.
This is a moment of conquering fears, of hard work on display, and being part of a team.  It was only one month ago while finishing her first triathlon when she broke down in honest tears because she didn't like all eyes on her, and I became nervous at the impending gymnastics meet in a sport where all eyes happen to rest on the one gymnast on the apparatus.  Her sweet spirit is contagious and she has much to teach all of us; she would rather let the attention rest on others and remain in the background.  But in gymnastics, they call your name, and it's you in front of the world.  You've got to be brave.  You've got to be bold.  You've got to muster courage and do your best.  Nearly 30 years ago, I stood in her shoes in my first competition in a sport similar to this.  All of those memories wash over me, and I'm grateful I can sit here and cheer her on with an understanding heart.
She mounted on the beam, performed each move with precision in her shiny pink and black leotard, and finished with a handstand dismount.  The 11 squeaky teammates' voices cheered, she presented to the judges, received high fives from her coaches and hugs from her teammates.
Hard work.  Determination.  Conquering fear.  It paid off on this hot September day. Way to go sweet girl!