An Open Letter to my Gymnast: Thank You

Cara DevenneyGymnastics Parenting, MiscellaneousLeave a Comment

letter to my gymnast

Dear my Little Gymnast,

I cannot believe how fast you are advancing and how fast you are growing up. It feels like yesterday when I used to carry you on my hip, or when your entire little hand could only wrap around my finger. I remember when you would try to do little summersaults on the couch, and when you would climb on literally everything AND everyone.

Now you’re on a gymnastics team performing and learning skills that I did not even think was possible. My eyes are bulging out my head 99 percent of the time, and the smile doesn’t leave my face. I am in awe that you are my child because God only knows that you did not get these gymnastics gifts from me!

I remember how exciting it was when you first joined gymnastics. Remember how proud you were of yourself when you perfected your cartwheel? Or when you accomplished your first back handspring?

Now you’re working on back tucks on the beam, wow…time really does fly by, and you have grown into the sport so phenomenally. You never cease to impress me especially at meets- you always blow me away by the new skills you had learned.

One thing that I feel like I do not do enough is to thank you. Thank you, my little gymnast, for embracing your talent that was given to you. Thank you for always wanting to show me what you learned at practice and telling me how great you did. Thank you for trusting in me, as your biggest supporter I only want what is best for you and what makes you happy.

Thank you for confiding in me when you have a fear or are afraid of something because I am always here to keep you safe- but always remember that your coaches want you to be safe too. Thank you for being so courageous and always getting back up when you fall, even when it is during a meet.

You are such a strong individual, and I admire your dedication and concentration so much. I don’t know how you do it, because knowing myself- I would cry and run into the bathroom before I even think about getting back up and onto the beam or floor, or- wherever.

Thank you for turning me into a gym mom and teaching me gymnastics lingo. I know it’s hard for me to pronounce some of these crazy skills, but I love when you teach me what they are.

It’s funny, now when I watch gymnastics on TV (especially during the Olympics) or on my phone ( mostly watching gymnastics YouTube videos) I say out loud what that gymnast just did and it’s all because of you.

I also love when I tell family members and friends what skills you have performed or are learning and they look at me like I have five heads. Sometimes I forget that NOT everyone knows what gymnastics skills are.

Thank you for always road tripping it with me. Those long car rides to different meets and camps in different cities and states are memories that I will have forever. I never thought I could have so much fun during the long car rides but I am more than grateful that I get to spend these times with you.

My little gymnast, you are jumping from level to level so fast. One day you are on level three, the next you are on level eight. Every time I record videos on my phone, I can’t help but to watch it a billion times because I just love seeing what you are capable of doing.

It blows my mind that someone so young can have so much determination. I am always 100 percent pleased with all of your medals and trophies that you receive- I am going to have to clean out a room and only put your medals and trophies in there, that’s how many you have!

It does not matter if you come in first place or last place, I am always so thrilled for you and all your hard work. I know that it is hard sometimes for you. I know sometimes it is unfair when you have to miss your friends birthday parties because of practice or that you have to eat dinner in the car rather than with all of us at the dinner table.

I know it is tough when your muscles ache at night from a long day of gymnastics and that you have to wake up and do it all over again. But let me say something- I know this sport is right for you because the only thing you do on your days off are gymnastics!

I honestly don’t think I have ever heard you complain about gymnastics and you are always so excited to go to practices and meets. Hmm…I wonder what I have to do for you to be excited to go to school the same amount that you are for gymnastics.

You want to know what else I like about gymnastics? I love watching you enjoy yourself. Your team became a big family and it puts a huge smile on my face when I hear you girls cheering for one another.

It makes me feel like we picked the right gym for you to be a part of. You girls are so supportive of one another rather than trying to compete against one another. Like I have mentioned so many times- gymnastics is not an easy sport; therefore, having your teammates backs is a great definition of sportsmanship.

I am excited to see where gymnastics takes you. I am excited to see if this is a passion you want to continue throughout your lifetime or if you want to start something new. No matter what your decision is in the future, please always remember I am here to support you.

You have replaced barbies and dolls with mats and chalk, but that doesn’t mean you have stopped being my little girl.

I love you, and I am always going to be here for you. Always try your best because it is more than enough. Remember that the sky has no limit, and don’t ever let anything stop you from achieving your dreams.

Love always,

Your #1 Fan

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