Lion King, You're Not The Only One Who Knows About The Circle Of Life

Over the past few years John and I have traveled several hundred miles to watch Mack and Macy play their first soccer games, Reuben play soccer and t-ball, Essie's first dance recital, and to admire Laney's artwork at the "Big" art show in her school district. We've watched them march across the stage for preschool and kindergarten graduations, sing and play hand bells in programs, and all those other things kids do. And if I could only use one word to describe it, that word would be utterdelight. Okay, so that’s really two words, but since I’m writing this….

Everything about these events is delightful. It was delightful to see them play--and play well. It was delightful to be there to cheer them on and see their little faces light up when they heard “Way to go Mack!” “Way to kick that ball, Macy!” “Reuben! You rock as goalie!” and “Essie, you danced perfectly!” "Laney, you are an amazing artist!" "Landrey, you said your verses so well and sang so pretty!"

But the thing that brought the most delight to Momma D’s heart was hearing the same words of encouragement plus “Stay with the ball, stay with the ball…” “You’ve got it!” and “Good throw, Mack!” "Macy, way to score!" coming from Mack and Macy's daddy, who used to be an excellent soccer player and who also just happens to be my son—one of the four greatest accomplishments of my life. 

Listening to Zach and John cheering and ‘coaching’ from the sidelines while standing side by side took me back a few years to when John and I were cheering and jumping up and down with excitement for Zach. My first thought was, “Wow! Where did the years go?” My second thought was that every single minute spent driving to and from practices and games, every dime spent on soccer gear, league fees, and gas and every minute spent standing or sitting on the sidelines watching and cheering was ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY UNDOUBTEDLY WORTH IT! I don’t regret it a bit—not even taking my four DAY old baby Emma Dale to the soccer park to watch her brother play.

Seeing Elizabeth's face glow with pride as Laney's toothless smile lit up the gymnasium as we complimented and praised her work, hearing her praise Landrey for singing so pretty, watching Olivia holding her breath; hoping and praying Reuben stopped the ball--not for her, but for him...for his self-confidence, and then letting it out to cheer his success, seeing the sweet smile of, "Wow, that's my baby" on Emma's face as Essie danced her heart out and giggling along with her as JoJo sang along to EVERY song (adding a bit of entertainment for the audience's listening pleasure), was the reassurance we needed that we got the message across.

What message was that? The message that told Zach, Elizabeth, Olivia, and Emma, why and how to give their kids what they need in the way of emotional and physical support and encouragement as they figure out who they are. In giving our kids what they needed and wanted all those years ago, they know how important it is to do the same for their kids. They also get to experience things from my and John’s perspective all those years ago, which is pretty special, too.

So to all you young parents out there—don’t complain about being at your kids’ events, show up begrudgingly, or even worse, not show up at all. Your ‘endorsement’ and support means the world to them—just like your parents’ ‘endorsement’ and support meant the world to you.

Or in the words of Simba (and Reuben), "It’s the circle of life." 

Love,
Momma D

                           Copyright 2016 Darla Noble. No part of this can be used or copied without permission from the author.