mini olympics: first grade

Nothing like a little mini olympics at school to bring out fierce swells of pride and protection for your offspring. "C'mon, B! Go, L! You can do it!" you yell out loud, while silently praying, Heaven above, do not let them fall and skin their face off.

The night and morning before, B was agonizing over the race. "I'm too shy, Mom," he kept telling me. "Will I get a medal?" he asked. "What if I fall down? What can I eat for breakfast that will make me faster?" Ever the worrier. He ended up getting the fourth fastest time (only the first three received medals), and I was worried he would be heartbroken the rest of the day. Instead, he came home later beaming and feeling very good about himself. It is wonderful when your children surprise you.