Wordless Wednesday – My IronKids

posted by Stacie on September 13, 2011 // Comments Off

I still see them as little. I often think they need my help with everything. But I recognize that part of being a good parent is giving your children room to reach out on their own.

This past weekend, my children rendered me speechless. I was in tears at how proud they made me.

Both my six year old daughter and my eight year old son competed in the IronKids triathlon. They weren't there to compete. Not really. I just wanted them to try it. They both like all three activities. I didn't even care if they placed. I just wanted them to try.

They both swam 50 yards (one length of an Olympic size pool), biked 2 miles and ran 500 yards.

My six year old daughter stood at the edge of that huge pool and said, “I cannot do this. I just can't do it.”

I was seconds away from telling her that she didn't have to. That if it was too much, she should just do what she can.

She looked up at me, with tears in her eyes and said, “Of course I can do this, Mama. You said I could do anything!” She gave me a hug and she went in the gate to wait for her start time.

I walked away with a lump in my throat trying not to cry.

I want to be like my kids some day… 🙂