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DEDICATED TO THE RACE....by b. Malin
RULES...AND MORE RULES
Dedicated to all those Kids and all the Rules of the Sport...A Lesson Learned.
Why is it AFTER the race is WON...
And you watch your child, the WINNER, jumping up and down in Dazzled Excitement,
That SOMEONE remembers a RULE...
NO TRACK SHOES CAN BE WORN IN THE RACE .
Where was the RULE, BEFORE the Race?
Before the Gun to start went off, while the Boys were still lined up?
Your Son, your Thirteen year old, standing so Proudly wearing his Big
Brothers Track Shoes...
The SAME ones that he'd worn LAST WEEK, at the "other" Track Meet.
Where was the RULE BOOK then?
There were many boys wearing TRACK SHOES THERE...
How is it that NO ONE NOTICED then?
Only NOW, after the RACE has been WON.
And there is one more thing that I'd like to add as a Mother,
HOW COULD YOU BE SO CRUEL?
Your Son is told he has to Race again, minus his "Lucky" Track Shoes...
And he does...And the Winner, becomes the looser...His Heart and Soul
are no longer there... and he now finishes LAST.
They are only Children...with such Raw Feelings and Emotions.
They are not like YOU...Thank God.
But don't worry, He will mend...
His TEARS of Hurt and Frustration will Dry...
And he will look back on this day, as a Lesson learned.
He will be a little Wiser, His Emotions Intact and Controlled.
And He'll become a GROWNUP someday...Just like all of you...
GOD FORBID.
Comments
- Author
As I've stated this was an old piece that I wrote at the time my youngest was 13. It did, at the time break his heart, but of course he bounced back, grew up, and is a great father and husband and son. But you are right, and that was the reason for this piece, to ask where were the rules, before the race was won. Thanks James for your thughtfull comments.
Sorry to hear about this disappointment. Maybe it will have a good outcome in the long run since we all know life is not "fair." Any activity needs clearly defined rules that all participants understand BEFORE a competition. It's a shame that it broke your son's little heart. God Bless You Both.
- Author
I Love the way you do react Sally, for I too am from the Mama Bear way of thinking...and my Cubs grew up to be wonderful Men, and fathers...so keep on "TRUCKING" your thoughts!
Thanks Daffodil, so glad you liked it.
wow, nice hub. congratulations! voted up and useful
I have thought about your hub and your experience all day. I need to be more thoughtful and calm when it comes to my kids. I guess I am the Mama bear/lion/whatever . . . and I react first and think later. Always learning . . . Ha! Thanks!
- Author
Sally it was so long agao that I wrote this piece and when I found it again, well, I went with it. We all learned a lesson that day which probably made my son and I stronger in our relationship...and that's what really counted.
Disappointments are hard to handle regardless of your age or circumstance. This seemed so unfair. I am not very competitive about much -- except my kids' sports. I hope that I would have behaved gracefully in your situation -- but I wonder.
- Author
Epigramman, you little Devil, Glad you enjoyed, Thanks for the comments.
Again Shygirl, thanks. Today, many years letter, we look back and realize how things have changed... or have they? Thanks for your comments and insight too.
I think if they had rules about the runners shoes and the runner didn't know about them, he should be allowed to win despite the 'rule book' technicality. Thanks for the insight b. Malin. How sad for your son. I'm on your side.
...well you can run my race anytime or anywhere you want - because my heart beats faster than a cheetah when I read words like these .....
- Author
Thanks Toknowinfo, your words and comments are so true...As I told BlueStar this was a piece that I had written when he was 13. He said it helped him to understand. He is a man today, he's married, raised a child that was not his, with the woman he married, and did a great job...What more could a mother ask.
- Author
Thanks W.R. Shinn, We are ALL children at heart... I Love writing as well as reading other Hubbers, Hubs. Thanks for your comments.
Tmckim, you did READ this Hub... didn't you? The answer to your question is there...That is the reason that this Hub was written...Sorry you did not get it.
BlueStar you are too Funny, Loved your comments...This was an old piece of mine...He is a Grownup today and a wonderful, success and . sensitive male
Thank you Cheryl, for GETTING IT and understanding what I was trying to say.
Great hub and a great topic. There is a saying, we are only as happy as our least happiest child. When they win we celebrate for them. When they lose, our hearts sink for them. And when it is because of a rule like that, I can feel your anger. As always, I am such a big fan of yours. Rated up and beautiful.
Ahhh don't you just want to punch those race judges lights out, and then take off the boxing gloves to reassure your son that he is the man, he is your winner and always will be. But beware if you do, these 13 year old's get very embarrassed with mum hanging around their necks. So not cool, so what do you do. Shoot the starter next time.
Good vignete, sad, true, raw, & real. Very nice.
Cher
Did you know the rules before the race?
Interesting B. Malin. I'm 53 and still a child, in God's eyes. Thanks for the read! Keep writin'!!
Sincerely,
W.
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