Makin' Mama Proud

I haven't enjoyed the Olympics as much this year as in the past. Perhaps it is because they are just way to darn late to stay up for. Yes, I am that old! I have always liked watching the gymnastics...it is as close to ballet as the Olympics gets so, in some way, it is nourishing to my soul. I watched the last 8 or so miles of the women's marathon this year...that was inspiring! I have enjoyed running, but I highly doubt that I will ever run a marathon. But, never say never. The diving competition is also pretty intense...I always fear a head being cracked open on the board...it has happened! I have seen a few minutes of fencing, rowing, indoor cycling this year.

I think I spent more time this year watching swimming. Perhaps it is the sheer power that swimmers seem to possess as they push through that water for anywhere between 20ish seconds to 15 minutes. I watched the men's 1500 meter race...30 lengths of the pool...that is intense. Perhaps my intrigue comes from the fact that my swimming skills are sooo bad! Maybe it is because my boys took their first swim lessons this summer. I do know one thing however. I was captivated by Michael Phelps and his push to make history this Olympics. I remember him going for it in Athens and not making it, but still doing a remarkable job. I found myself drawn to the TV to watch his races, cheering him on every stroke. I was filled with so much pride for him, like he was my own boy. I watched the interview that Bob Costas did with Michael Phelps and his mother, Debbie Phelps, after the 8 gold medals had been won. I was taken back by the way that Michale looked with so much honor on his mother. I believe that he is just as proud of her as she is of him. He searched for her during every race, every medal ceremony. He gave her his flowers, as if paying tribute to her for everything that she has done for him. It was beautiful. I can only hope and pray that one day, my boys will look on me with a little bit of pride and a whole lot of love!