Stay committed in order to succeed in this world

This week has been one full of exciting adventures for our family. With the dawning of the new school year, anyone watching would see a great deal of hustle and bustle, anticipation, and all out enjoyment as we prepare for the days to come. The cross-country season has likewise begun which the girls are overly joyful about. As Lilli’s second year in the sport begins, she is excited to put all her hard work over the summer in full view and see how she has improved over her prosperous first year. Upon learning about the practice schedule, I must admit, we experienced a bit of surprise.

As I woke Lilli up, the other day, I excitedly let her know that she needed to get ready because her first cross-country practice would be held that afternoon. Her excitement was evident as she quickly rose with a smile affixed to her face. Riyann, on the other hand simply shuffled under the covers and for all practical purposes reacted the exact way I had imagined, with no visible signs of caring or plans to alter her present state of slumber. This was not a shock to me since she and I had spoken many times about if she wanted to take part on the sport or not and she simply described to me that running was just not her thing. Being pleased with the fact that the child at least considered it, I was more open to her decision.

As I went about my day, returning to work, I began doing what I do. You know, making sure the family was aware of all potential proverbial rocks in the path and how they could protect themselves from disaster. Refusing to accept that they had it all covered I spent the most part of the morning texting or calling, reminding my little runner to drink enough water, stretch out, and make sure she had all her running gear ready and on hand. With each reminder, I was met with the common response of “yep” or “she knows”, leaving me with the feeling that maybe I was going a little overboard and my excitement was eclipsing that of the rest of the family. Regardless, I wasn’t about to slip off into mediocrity hence I carried on sharing my much-needed advice, which surly they would thank me for in the end.

After a bit, my wife relayed to me that Riyann had decided that she too, was planning on joining the cross-country team. Shocked, I smiled and asked my loving wife to repeat her words because I surly misunderstood, because I thought she said Riy was going to practice as well. Assuring me that I had heard her correctly, my wife explained that she tried to talk her out of it, but her mind was set. Still shocked, with visions of this kind, happy soul struggling in this brutal sport, I did my best to encourage her and prepare her for what lie ahead.

Commitments did not allow me to attend the girls first practice or take part in the first drop off, but my wife handled it superbly as she always does. With my ability to hold in my excitement about hearing about how everything went severely lacking, I began learning of how the first practice went. As my lovely wife and I talked, I learned that Lilli performed superbly, benefiting from her countless hours of off season training she dominated right up to the point she found some of her friends and well, they became the focus. Riy, well she did awesome in good old dads’ eyes. As her mother began relaying the particulars of Riyann’s plight to me, I couldn’t avoid showing a little smile. Riy hung strong for a short distance then for the most part decided she would be better served walking the course to ensure that the kids bringing up the rear had some added support. As we spoke with Riy, explaining that the sport may not be her cup of tea, she simply shrugged it off and described that she was committed to finish what she started.

The second practice for the girls showed marked improvement over the first. A little coaching from good old dad, tactical strategies from mom, and Riy finding her newly-recognized love interest jogging, mid-pack, caused her to finish in the middle of the pack rather the back. When asked how she enjoyed the second practice Riy’s response was simply “I hate it”. A little prodding revealed that her distain stemmed from the fact that her new running shoes got dirty, but she found her new friend, so she was good.

As I watch these little ladies make their way in this world, I find joy in the knowledge that I am part of it and learning right alongside them. Watching the girls this week has reiterated not only the fact that as with Lilli, if we remain committed and work hard, success will result, and we will be able to many times benefit from overcoming the tough moments. Through Riy, one can come to understand that although the path before us may seem scary and difficult, if we simply take a chance we can succeed. I learned that when we face new adventures and sometimes face challenges, if we simply do our best, many times, people are put in our path which help us accomplish our goals… even when they are ten-year-old little boys.

It quite simple my friends, work hard, carry on with little hesitation and be ever watchful for those placed in our path to encourage and make our travels a little smother. For it is through friendship and common plight that greatness can be achieved, if we simply commit to it.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from eight to 29.