I was never a whiz at math. I mean, really – I once asked our algebra teacher why we had to solve an equation if we already knew that 6x = 18. My poor mom – she put in countless hours trying to tutor me on the FOIL method alone. By the time I’d finally get a concept, our class was moving on to a new unit and then she’d have to start the whole process all over again. One time my rock-headedness tried her patience to the point that she ended up in tears.
GG’s different, though. This kid’s been a whiz at everything she’s put her hand to in her short six years on this earth. Reading? No problem. Writing & Art? I’ve got a ton of her love notes and masterpieces on my nightstand. Socially, she’s the most well-adjusted kid that I’ve seen. In fact, I was the one crying on her first day of daycare – not her.
GG started ice skating lessons at the Pettit Center two weeks ago, and I figured that she’d 
take to it like everything else she’s done. Not so much. Her knees seemed to be glued together, and her feet barely left the ice. My darling, outgoing, smart and graceful baby looked like a big pink penguin. And I could tell it was bugging her too as she watched some of the other kids whiz past.
As we watched during her first lesson, GG's usual smile had been exchanged for
a look of pure grit and determination. My motherly instinct wanted to scoop her up and tell her that she didn’t have to do it anymore, but it dawned on me: this is the first thing that she’s had to work for; and it’s good for her. She and I skated after class, and I was giving her what I think were helpful hints. She began to make progress and was slowly morphing from a penguin into a little skater; and you could see the look of pride on her face when things started to “click.”
This whole experience is good for both of us – GG’s learning that some things will take hard work, and that there's personal satisfaction in achievement after you work hard for something. I’m learning that I can’t just swoop in and always make it “all better” for her; and I know that down the road, sometimes, she’ll even have to make her own mistakes.
But I’ll always be there right alongside ready to help when the time is right…..as long as it doesn’t involve math.
