When I made my reservations several months ago, it was with the intent to surprise Hal and show up at her tournament for her birthday weekend.
To watch her.
Then she ended up in a boot.
And I still went to Chicago.
And watched her.
Sit on a bench and take some serious stats.
And watched her.
Lay beside me on my bed and talk my ears off my body.
And watched her.
Ride on a stationary bike for 20 minutes to get her cardio in.
And watched her.
Pepper with a fellow player like she was the boss of that ball.
And watched her.
Tear up and cry as I drove off from her Saturday night.
And at 7:11 pm on 9/11 my youngest born will be 19 years old.
And now she has done it.
Grown up and moved away. This kid is doing things I would have never believed possible. She absolutely blows me away.
She told me that she wasn't sure how she was going to get everything accomplished. "There's so much to do, so little time. It's just almost impossible."
Here's my words to you, young skywalker.....
You may be overwhelmed now, my daughter, but your hard work and laser focus made the dream of West Point a reality. For someone who had never touched a volleyball before the age of 14, and worked with a laser like focus and determination I have never seen in a teenage human before, to become the best volleyball player you could be, makes me know for certain that you will handle the rigors of this life you have chosen, with the same determination and focus you had to make the dream happen.
Don't become so stressed in the "doing", that you lose sight of the "experience". You are one of a few women that have chosen this life. Don't let others dictate what you should decide for yourself. You know your heart, you know your self worth, no one else knows it better than you (or me). There is NOTHING, I repeat, NOTHING you won't accomplish. (except that first land nav) (and even then, you went back out and KICKED IT'S BUTT) SOO, with that being said, You know what you want, you are on the precipice of having it, just be brave enough to reach out and take it.
Your sisters believe in you, your brothers believe in you, and I know, by experience, that there isn't ANYTHING you cannot do, when you set your mind to it. Just let God guide you through, and nothing on earth can stop you.
You is smaht, you is kind, you is Impo'tant.
Happy birthday, my love. I will see you in October.
'
