In pursuit of a gold(en) childhood

Here’s a fun fact: Sports movies make me cry. Every single one, every single time. I’m not talking rivers of tears, but I get choked up when the U.S. hockey team scores the winning goal in Miracle or when Rudy gets called to the field at the last minute. 

Don’t even get me started on Chariots of Fire.

So it shouldn’t be surprising for you to learn that I limit my Olympics viewing — for fear that every tissue in Cuming County quickly would be put to use. (That, plus the fact we don’t have conventional television in the Kirk house.)

But I did catch some of the events over the weekend at my grandmother’s house, and even my unathletic soul was stirred.

As a child, I remember watching figure skating during the winter Olympics, thinking “Hey, I could do that,” putting on a twirly skirt and practicing “triple axles” in the hallway.

Shockingly, the Olympic Talent Team never called.

Watching the competition now as a mother, I’m tempted to think the same thing, but with my children in the spotlight.

Every parent believes his or her child is exceptional; what a rush it must be to have that acknowledged globally.

And every parent, myself included, believes his or her child has what it takes to go for gold.

But then I think of the sacrifices Olympians and their families make, and wonder if gold medals come at an impossibly high price.

I want my girls to be little girls for as long as possible. There will be non-negotiables down the road — chores, homework, piano lessons, fetching Mommy her emergency chocolate — but I want them to pursue the gold medals of their own choosing. And that’s only after they’ve had the chance to have a thoroughly carefree childhood.

I probably won’t be an Olympic mom someday, though secretly I won’t rule out the possibility.

But whether I’m cheering for my girls in the bleachers at a basketball game or quietly beaming with pride at a dance recital, I want to know they’re doing what they love.

And you can bet I’ll bring tissues.

Brielle can't exactly play yet, so she fills her time by looking adorable. Mission accomplished, no?

Meanwhile, big sister Evangeline can't get enough of the life aquatic. (Jill - I think she looks so much like D. in this photo!)

On the Lighter Side
Published August 1, 2012