As parents we never want our children to be upset or feel defeated, especially after they have given everything they have inside to something they love so much. This weekend Peyton had a cheer competition and what started out so perfect ended with many tears. It was one of those moments that as a mom I wanted time to freeze and rewind but unfortunately there are not mommy powers that allow us to do that. Instead I just had to watch and somehow figure out how to make it be OK. As soon as I finally got to her and we made eye contact, the tears started for both of us and I wrapped my arms around her as fast as I could (sweet Lauren just stood there holding onto both of us). Why, is all she kept saying, we had it going into today, why did it fall apart? I let her just cry for a few minutes, then I did my best to say something to make it better, but I know her she did not want to hear any of my momisms at that moment, she wanted out of that building. I grabbed her back pack and out the door we went hand in hand. Her dad and I told her that yes what happened sucked, and we know she is hurting but how she handles it from this point on is what matters. It did take her awhile to stop crying, but as we drove in silence (Lauren still holding Peyton's hand), she slowly stopped crying and started talking about the things that did go right.
My sweet Pey, you are such an amazing girl and I am so proud of of you! Life isn't always fair, and we don't always know why. One thing I do know is that you are loved so very much and as much as I wish I could make every day perfect for you, I know I cannot but after seeing you pull yourself back together today it just proved how strong you are and how well you can handle life's obstacles!
But I still wish I could just keep them in a bubble....
Karen
