Lessons From The Mat

In a leather skirt, slacks or plain ole' Express jeans, week after week I sit on the gym floor right next to the wrestling mat and take pictures of my son and his team mates.  Occasionally, the tussle for a take down or win will head straight for me, but I simply move my camera out of harms way and hope that my right eye and right hand survive the assault in order to shoot another day.

Last week the senior wrestlers were honored. My son and the other two team captains are seniors & from the mood in the gym the underclassmen were facing the same reality that I was. These last four years have passed so quickly and now, here we are. This is the last regular season match that I will shoot of my baby in this gym.  I felt overwhelmed and had to fight back tears. When his name was called, accolades listed and he was given his flower and medal:  he quickly passed them to me and whispered in my ear, "you are the real champ, mom." It took everything in me not to fall apart on the spot, but I took solace in the fact that there are great things in store for my son and his teammates. I am a firm believer that "to whom much is given, much is required."

Unknowingly, these kids have taught me a lifetime of lessons in a mere four-year period and it would be so "un-educator-like" of me if I did not share. These definitely are not all of the lessons, but ones that I feel compelled to share, which means someone out there needs this affirmation.

Lesson 1:  Never Quit.  Its the team's mantra & I have seen them live by it through wins, losses, coaching changes and even the lost of team mates.

Lesson 2:  Having Passion Moves You Forward. When you love something, whether it be a sport, a career, or for me both photography and education, you continuously study, practice and  learn.  I have seen my son transition from a middle school wrestler without a clue, to a team captain boasting a stellar season, and a place among the top wrestlers in the state.

Lesson 3:  A Take Down Puts Points on the Board.  In wrestling, this applies to your opponent, but in life it applies to obstacles, some that occur naturally and others that we create for ourselves. Either way, our goal should be to take down or remove these obstacles so that we can reach our destiny!

I would like to say a huge GOOD LUCK to the 71st High School wrestling team who will be competing this weekend in the conference tournament. The lessons that you have taught me will most assuredly see you through as qualifiers for the State Championship! I love you all and please believe it's a BIG thing when you educate an educator!