CHEER MOM

Jean2 speaking! This is what I now am... a cheer mom. My daughter J is a cheerleader and I am thrilled. Growing up, I always thought that I would be a cheerleader. I did cartwheels, handstands, and cheers all the time. I watched cheerleaders in awe assuming someday I would be one. And I should have been. I am not saying this with bitterness...LOL...I JUST SHOULD HAVE BEEN ONE. I would have been a great one! Tryouts came along in 6th grade and I tried, not with as much confidence as I should have but I tried. And I made first alternate. I was devastated. Crushed. First alternate meant that if someone moved or quit-I was on the squad. It never happened. Oh how I wished. I never tried again. Shame on me! I should have but life went on for me-I played softball and developed other interests. Soon cheerleading became a not so valuable thing to do at our school and a faded dream in my life. I have never forgotten the feel of when they posted the girls who made it and my name was not on there though. So needless to say when J tried out those insecurities came back. I put J in gymnastics when she was 5 and she did it for 5 years. She did great! So I knew she would have a good chance and on May 11, 2006 she tried out and SHE MADE IT!! I was so proud and happy for her. Jean1 says I live vicariously through her-perhaps a little bit. LOL! But not in an unhealthy way. I am just supporting my daughter in all that she does. She is the most adorable cheerleader I have ever seen and she loves it. She gives it her all. And I intend on being the BEST CHEER MOM EVER and HER BIGGEST FAN!