When I was growing up, I could tell you the starting line-up for any NBA Western Conference Team, and even some from the Eastern Conference. I could carry on a conversation with anyone (adult) about trades, championships, MVP candidates, you name it. I remember crying when the Lakers didn't 3peat because I had talked so much trash at school about it happening to my elementary PE Teacher. How could I show my face after they lost?
I could pitch a fast ball (like a boy) to my brother and field it, getting it to 1st base with perfect aim. I could hit the fast balls in the batting cages at Scandia with ease. I could tell you anything about the St. Louis Cardinals - favorite team, Philadelphia Phillies or the New York Yankees, because those were the teams we saw play during our summers back east. I could keep book and dreamt of being a baseball commentator when I grew up. Who doesn't love a great 6-4-3?
I loved to watch sports, especially Sports Center on ESPN, with my brother late at night.
I learned how to read from Sports Illustrated, thanks to my big brother's room that was covered from ceiling to floor with pictures and articles.
Sports were an important part of my childhood and I'm thankful for my brother who took the time to teach me about them, show me how to play, proper form and all.
When I met my Sugar, he was impressed at my ability to throw and catch a baseball, along with a football. He loved that I wanted nothing more than to watch a Mariners game when we went to see his home town. He loved that I was content watching a game along side him. He was excited when I said I wanted to learn how to golf, because I never learned since my brother hated it. He loved my interest in sports. He loved it a lot.
So when we had our baby girl, almost 8 years ago, I wanted to make sure that my babe would have a love for sports, like her mom and dad do. I wanted this so badly.
In fact, it was a requirement when we first got married. Ha. I remember his dad saying when we were first started dating, "I only took my boys out on the golf course. My girls just weren't interested." What? That always bothered me, but that was only because sports were so important in my childhood. I've gotten over it since then, but I still think about it.
And, we have tried to expose my big girl to sports. We have tried.
So far, it hasn't sunk in, yet for her. But, we will keep trying.
One pink golf bag, pink soccer ball, or pink baseball glove at a time.
She was still smiling at the end of this, but not as big of a smile as when she started. But, golf is hard, and requires lots of patience. She'll get there. And if she doesn't, that is okay too. We will love her either way!
On a side note: The girl can dance like nobody's business. Which is impressive because my Sugar and I have no rhythm at all!
I would like to add that I was not an ALL-STAR athlete, but just had a love for sports.
I played them, enjoyed them, and still do.
