Earlier this
morning, my 10-year-old daughter finished running her third 5K. I am as proud of her as I've been of anyone
in my entire life. For one thing, I
NEVER would have done that when I was her age.
I don't think that I had a tenth of her perseverance and commitment when
I was in 5th grade. For as long as I can
remember, I've had as a regular conversation partner in my head a voice that
says: "You can't do that."
I've heard that voice in my head specifically related to physical
fitness and health. I've spent much of my
life defining myself as lazy, unmotivated, and out of shape. Granted, in the last few years, I've done a
lot better - I've been more responsible with my eating habits and I've finished six 5K's in the last 5 years. That's not nothing…
This morning I
heard that voice again, but it wasn't about me.
It was about my daughter. After
she finished the race, she had the usual (and very rewarding) post-race euphoria and was
talking about her future running plans: seven more 5K's (to give her 10 total),
a 10K, and then a marathon*. The voice
in my head instantly spoke up: "she's not going to do that." Fortunately, that voice did not leave my
head. I caught myself and said to my
amazing daughter that it sounded like a great plan.
If anybody's got a
legit reason to back down, beg off,and be lazy, it's Mary. When she was 18 months old, we found out that she had a heart murmur and we were told that these things usually correct themselves over time. However, after a particularly persistent FNP at her pediatrician's office insisted that we follow up about what she was hearing through her stethoscope, we made an appointment with a cardiologist. Fast forward 18 months later, and we're taking our daughter to Baptist Hospital in Winston for open-heart surgery to correct an issue related to how the murmur 'fixed' itself. (If you're interested, her problem is a called sub-aortic stenosis and she's most likely going to be having another surgery at some point in the next few years. Prayers appreciated.) She came through the surgery with flying colors and was ready to play and run only 2 days afterwards.
And now, here's my
miracle of a daughter just finishing up her third 5K, each one of which
required 6 or 7 weeks of training. She's
ten and the survivor of open-heart surgery.
And here I was, after journeying with her through so many things,
thinking: "you can't do that." I'm shutting that mess down now.
I should have learned by now that my daughter is defined by her tenacity, her commitment, and a desire to accomplish her goals. I should have learned by
now that my daughter will not be limited by my own hesitation, doubt, and
skepticism. While I'm at it, I'm not
going to let that voice tell me what I can and can't do anymore, either. He's not telling the truth…
*Props to my big sister for showing me what's possible and for being such an inspiring example for my kids - you're awesome! I think that when Mary talks about her future running goals, she's got you in mind...
