I believe happiness is a byproduct of being productive, contributing to the world, even if that contribution on that day can only be measured at your address. I believe happiness is the result, not the goal. It’s the afterglow of accomplishment, the joy of doing something well, whether that is being a good friend, parent, partner or colleague.
Cancer survivors don’t need a month-long reminder punctuated with ubiquitous pink ribbons. We never forget. It’s nice and all, thank you, with everyone driving around with the stickers on their bumpers, and running/ walking for the cure, donating, speaking out, sharing their stories. But we survivors don’t need the brain rush at the grocery check-out to pledge a dollar. Because we know how important it all is. We wish we didn’t have to know, but we know.
He is responsible for that moment of intense pride. It wasn’t handed to him, it didn’t land on him when he opened the window. it did not come from me. And it gives me chills to witness the satisfaction he reaps from his own determination.
It’s not like I have a lot of extra time. So I know not to waste yours. I work about 60 hours a week. I write books, articles, essays. I do laundry, cook and occasionally walk two miles around the local track. I’m a decent sister and a good friend. And I’m a wrestling mom.
Do you know how much your child weighs down to the ounce? Do you avoid making eye contact with your child after he or she loses a match until your child approaches you? Do you find yourself wearing the school colors every day whether or not you are attending a meet or tournament?
Then you're a WMD. A Wrestling Mom or Dad.
And we'd love to hear your stories. Submit a guest column, a few photos, videos, or comments and we will publish them on the site.
breast cancer
brendan
brothers
Caryn Brooks
coach
coaching
Coach Powell
Colin Rogers
high school
High school wrestling
making weight
mike powell
mom
mother
oak park
Oak Park-River Forest High School
parenting
powell
recovery
Sam Brooks
single parent
tournament
training
weldon
Weldon Rogers
winning
wrestling
Wrestling Family
wrestling mom
Youth Wrestling
