Always in the stands

See those spectator seats on the right? That’s where my grandma used to sit when I was skating at the legendary Oaks Park Rink in Portland, OR. From the time I could walk (and some say earlier), I ”performed” for my grandma who sat through all my classes, lessons, practices and sessions from the age of 2 to 11. In the evenings my mom would get off of work and come by the rink to watch my lessons, so both of them would sit there and I always had my own little cheering section. Every move I perfected and every routine I ended, I faced toward this side as I bowed to my mom and grandma.

Many years later, the year before my mother died, I decided to put on my skates again and see if I could still perform. The memory of speed and flying and joy came rushing back as my body moved to the music… and I looked over to see my mother watching from the sidelines, just like when I was little. That was about 10 years ago, but the memories of performing for my loving audience were still as fresh as if it had happened yesterday.

Life has changed a lot since my mother and grandmother ascended, but I still feel their presence as I achieve little successes throughout the day (got the house cleaned – take a bow!). Every child should have that feeling, and for that matter – every adult. How wonderful to feel that one ALWAYS has a cheering section of beloved “fans” to witness life’s clean landings (and encouragement after the falls). It is comforting to know that there is always someone “in the stands” watching and encouraging all the little wins in my life. Who is in the stands for you?