High school track runner Daddy had to take the day off work and come watch.
It was their first-ever track meet.
Actually, it was more like a "track meet," it was so low-key and fun.
Each student got to participate in four events of his choice. Times were clocked just so parents could write them down and feel proud, and in the end, every kid got a medal.
This boy was in it for the sheer fun of the experience.
Every swing of his stride,
Every leap over the hurdles,
Even the side-ache, it was all for the fun.
Now, this one, he wasn't in it for the fun.
Fun was firmly put to the side and replaced by seriousness, determination,
And the GRITTING OF TEETH!
This was a race, for Pete's sake, and races are meant to be WON!
And this boy was finally grinning and racing down the track because...
...he was racing against two of his favorite guys, and mama was the only one watching. All those other people had (thankfully) turned their backs, walked away, and become engrossed in watching other events.
Earlier, having all those eyeballs focused on him was just too much to take, and he had come crying, crying, crying down the field and into my arms before the race had even begun!
One way or another, they all earned their hardware, and at least one of them thought it was real gold.