Its a Community

As coaches, I wonder how we deal with our days at work and then try to put on our positive cord for the girls when we get to practice. This was one of those really difficult weeks for me where I was showing up late to things, spilling food on myself at work, smashing my fingers in equipement...and just all around being busy. Nothing really bad, just one of those weeks and I still have to coach at the end of the day.

I guess its good that in Maryland traffic is bad because it gives me time in the car to sort of take a deep breath, listen to some music and clear my mind. And as I pull up to the school, at the very least is give these girls some sort of positive experience.

Its so much fun seeing them give me a hard time for me showing up late. They have all been late multiple times since they like to chat in the bathroom as they get changed. I have never been late and I was really late on Monday. They are quick to forgive after they scold me and give me their 'angry faces'. I love it.

I love that they also have come so far. Wednesday was proof of that. For our project we split them into groups. It was an all indoors day because of the rain. But that was ok because they are planning their community service project. I was amazed at how little direction they needed to come up with great ideas. I was even more amazed at how wonderfully they behaved. It only took 9 weeks of practices to finally see them be calm during an indoor activity. I mean calm in that they weren't running circles around me. They were amazing and respectful, and kind and hard working. I was so impressed. I feel like they are all growing up so fast. I realize these aren't my kids but they really have touched my heart.

And I definitely realized how much I am going to miss them next week during the Thanksgiving break. But worse-is that when we return I only have one more week with them. I think I am almost dreading the end of this season. I thought I would look forward to the break from coaching for a bit but I honestly think that even with all the rushing, craziness and giggles, I am really just going to miss seeing these kids twice a week.

I have to brag for a little bit though. My daughter has found her love is dancing and I kind of always wanted her to be a little runner with me. She is joining me for our end of season event with all the county's teams. I kind of figured she was doing it more for my sake than her love of running. But today at her annual turkey trot she was the first girl in her grade to come across the line. And while I may have missed it (all accounted for in my rough rough week) I was informed by her father that she beamed and really loved running. I realize it might be silly but I can't wait till she is old enough to come out and join my team and run with me. I wont take away from her dance as long as she wants it but I love sharing this with these kids and I definitely can't wait to share in this program with my own daughter!