Progress

Once again, I'm writing from the road. Not so far this time. Only a 2 1/2 hour drive away from home. This time it's States -- gymnastics, that is -- at Myrtle Beach, SC.

Levels 4 & 5 are competing this weekend. Level 4 girls started on Friday and are finishing today. Level 5 competed Friday night and yesterday.

It's our last meet, unless they toss something else in, and I'm musing on this past competition season.

It's been interesting to watch my daughter and her teammates grow during the year. One young lady in particular just took 2nd place all around in her age group when early in the season, she barely kept up. It took a lot of heart, guts and effort for her to come this far. She's beautiful to watch and her face on the podium just glowed.

My own daughter took 1st on the bars. Her bar score is a personal best, and I'm proud of her.

I've seen definite improvement in girls from other teams as well. The little details have come together for so many of them -- things like pointed toes and straight legs, stuck landings and tight handstands.

I love to see the kids do well, whether my own daughter, her teammates, or other teams. And they know when they've done well, too. You can see it on their faces.

I've seen great sportsmanship along the way as well. Girls giving hugs when another was disappointed in a performance. Girls giving high fives when another outscored them.

The last age groups are warming up and I'm anxious to see how they do. Team awards for Level 4 will follow this session. I know some will go home disappointed, but to me, they are all winners. This little girls have chosen a difficult and intense sport and have competed with honor and heart all year.