Bronze Medal

Last weekend was a pretty big deal around here.  Dude has been putting in two hours per week in our Tai Kwondo studio for the past year and has grown leaps and bounds in his coordination, flexibility, endurance and confidence.  It's been heartwarming to watch him through the tall glass window each class as he gives it his best and learns how to master the skills being taught to him.  It's his sport, which we're incredibly grateful for.

His head master invited us to participate in their annual competition, which made Dude practically pee himself in excitement.  He was motivated to be part of this important day and didn't sway.  So we put on our stark white uniform, our white belt (the beginning color) and headed to the high school for the big event.  Unfortunately, Tim was out of town, so we took lots of phone pictures and kept Dad up to speed throughout the morning.  The entire day was nothing short of impressive.  Tai Kwondo is a culture based on respect, perseverance, encouragement, and individual goals.  This event stressed all those things as well as love for God as our Creator.  We were in and out in about two hours and Dude's portion only took about 4 minutes, but he won a 5 pound bronze medal and was invited to take the medal stand with his team mates.  That caused tears from his teacher who was silently standing behind me.  Her tears caused me to well up.  And his head master was waiting there for a big hug when he stepped down.  He was treated like a hero.  Not because he didn't make errors and not because he was a picture of grace and elegance.  Because he showed up and gave it his all.

 Talk about impressive skills - these guys were unbelievable. 

    

We listen to other parents highlight the athleticism of their little people and talk about the rigorous 3 sport schedules they have to keep in order to keep up in the sports world.  We don't relate.  We never will and that's okay.  Tai Kwondo is Dude's thing and that's awesome.  We might be the minority when it comes to athletics and that hits home for us from time to time, but I suspect it's only because it's expected that kids are athletic and able to keep up with the Joneses.  I think it's bunk.  If I could build a gym for the Dudes of the world to come and learn a sport in their time and according to their ability I would.  It's a dream we have as a family, but for now we're sticking with what works.  Dude won a bronze medal and he's over the moon about it.  Did he make errors in his performance?  Sure. Did he look like butter out there?  No.  Did he try his best?  Absolutely.  And did they recognize his effort and reward him accordingly? They did, and that's why we'll continue to go back and watch him grow in confidence and athleticism through that tall glass window.