We had our school sports day today. We had been practicing for it for a while so I was a little excited and a little worried. But when we got into the gym and I saw how many people were there, I was not excited anymore. I was just so overwhelmed.
I was not happy. It took me a long time to calm down. I held on to Mommy for dear life and would not let go.
Mommy’s comforting hug helped me slowly calm down and when she started to rock me back and forward in a roller coaster like way, I finally cracked a smile.
When the opening ceremonies finished I snuck a few raisins as a snack and that made me feel much better. But then we had to get ready for our first activity which required me to get into costume. In all the weeks of preparation at nursery school I did not once wear my costume. My teachers tried and tried but could not convince or coax me into my costume. When it comes to wearing things that I’m asked too, I’m not very cooperative. I often refuse to wear the simplest things. I refused to wear my swimming cap, I refused to wear small articles of clothing for events, and I practically rip off anything that is placed on me without my permission. So, expectations were low in the costume department. But I surprised everyone when I agreed to put my costume on (with the promise of raisins and jelly did). When my teachers saw me in my costume they were so happy and proud that they had to come over and tell us so. It was the first time they saw me in it and they thought I looked so cute!
Before I knew it, it was time for our dance. I was not having it. I clung to Mommy for dear life. She got my feet to the floor a bit, but for the most part she had to carry me the whole time.
Next it was time for the event. I was not very eager to go. Last year, was my first Sports Day and I did not enjoy it. For my event I did not even let Mommy put me down, so she had to do the even for me while carrying me. It was not the best performance. This year, Mommy tried to keep me in a good mood while we were in line waiting for our turn, but it did not look hopeful. Then it was my turn and I surprised everyone by doing the event on my own. (I didn’t necessarily look like I was enjoying it, but I didi it.). Everyone was so proud of me for just trying to do my best! I was pretty proud of myself too!
It was such a relief when everything was over. I could enjoy my snack reward and relax. What an ordeal. But is survived and did my best. That’s something to be proud of.
I heard that when Daddy was younger he did not like to dress in costume or go on stage or perform or pretty much do anything he felt he was being forced into. He was never a performer. However, for the Sports Day he was asked to be one of the fathers to participate in a team event and even though he didn’t want to do it, he agreed to participate hoping to be a good example for me. So he went to the center of the gym with the other fathers and did his best to win the event. His team did very well and came in first. Their reward was being allowed to choose their follow-up even first which ended up being dancing (his worst nightmare). But he stood there in front of the whole gym and learned the dance. Then he danced the dance the best he could, all to show his son that sometimes you don’t want to do things, but you still give it your all. He did really well. Little did he know that while he was up there dancing his butt off, instead of being inspired by him, I was upset that he left me to go dance. Poor Daddy.
The rest of the Sports Day went smoothly. I didn’t have to do anything else so I just stayed there an waited it out the best I could.
In the end, I was a happy boy because I did my best, had a few snacks, and got a little goodie bag at the end. I hope there will be a day when I don’t dread these events. But in the meantime I’ll just have to. try to survive them.