Cheering

A couple of years ago, when Tay was in the 6th Grade, she made the Cheerleading Squad at her Middle School.

Cheerleaders must not only lead the cheers during Basketball games in her school, but also maintain (as in most sports) a minimum grade point average, as well as exhibit exemplary behavior and be an all-round positive example for other students. Tay was so proud to be one of the few chosen to represent her school. She accepted her duties readily. She seemed to glow and mature with the responsibility.

As she was doing well in her mostly advanced and / or gifted classes, was (thankfully) a child who was cautious and steered well-clear of trouble and was a contentious all around “good kid,” the requirements to stay on the squad came easily to her.

After a bout of the flu, which resulted in her missing some practices, which in turn resulted in her Mom (me, natch) attempting to communicate with an uncommunicative coach, which resulted in some unfortunate conferences with the school staff…Tay was not able to be a Cheerleader the following year in her 7th Grade.

The story of what happened is long and convoluted. There were tears shed and teeth gnashed.

But, my persevering daughter never let her dream die.

This year, her school has a new Cheering Coach. Tay, along with several of her contemporaries attended a Cheering “boot camp” of sorts this week for 3 days and then had try-outs for the squad on the 4th day. Tay was anxious and she was rusty. She practiced nervously and endlessly for me…dissecting each and every move that she had been tasked with remembering.

I was nervous for her. What if, after the painful memory of last year she didn’t make it? Of course, I would comfort her, be her ally and her rock in the storm. But what if she did? Of course I would be ecstatic for her, celebrate with her and rejoice that something that she has so desired was finally in her grasp. But I would also then start thinking about the schedules, the additional reminders about homework after a game and naturally, the image that I have in my own mind about the reputation of a Cheerleader.

As it turns out, I get to worry about the latter, as my girl made the squad. The tempering of the joy came from Tay herself.

She was of course very happy that she had made the squad. But she was also very sad. A good friend of hers...who had been practicing with her just as diligently, had not made it. Tay felt disloyal for even thinking of anything celebratory.

This made me even prouder of her. In her moment of triumph, she was thinking of others...not of herself.

Tay: I know that you will be demonstrating your “outer” Spirit at games and rallies in the months to come. However, it is your inner Spirit, Taylor, that makes me stand up and cheer.