A Fathers Moment



This time last year we were in Minneapolis for the Junior Olympics. We were very excited about the National competition and had hopes that Ricky would find a slot on the National Junior Olympic team.

The competition took place over three days. Day 1 qualified you for individual event finals as well as limiting the 200 or so competitors to 36 to compete the next day for the National All Around title. Ricky , of course, was shooting for first place.

After Day 1 Ricky qualified for the final 36 as well as making event finals in several of the events (finishing top 6 in each respective event). Unfortunately Ricky walked away from that competition with an injury. Ricky had injured his ankle and had a bad limp as we walked back to the hotel.

Realizing the next day was the competition for the "All Around Title" we started icing and taking anti inflammatories to reduce the pain. Ricky's coach worked with Ricky the next morning but the injury had not improved. It was clear that Ricky would have to compete with the injury and would need to skip the usual warm-ups on Floor, Vault, and the dismounts so not to jeopardize his ability to compete. Finishing in the top 12, and making the national team looked doubtful. This set the stage for the discussion/moment that I had with Ricky. I will always treasure and thank God that I took the time to say what I said to my son:

Moments before the competition I pulled Ricky aside and said I wanted to talk. I knew he was worried about his injury and what might happen as a result. First I told Ricky that injuries would probably always be a factor in his sport. To succeed he would have to go beyond the pain do his best. Ricky agreed. I also said that he should look to his faith for strength and he said he "always" did. I was a little surprised but pleased to hear his answer. Finally I told Ricky that I didn't care if he did not make the National Team. I also told him that even if he quit Gymnastics tomorrow I could not be more proud of him and his accomplishments. By this time Ricky and I were getting pretty teary eyed. I told Ricky that I loved him and he told me the same. We both broke into real tears and cried together. While these types of expressions are always assumed they were rarely said.

Ricky started on Floor and without warming up on the routine he performed well getting the top score on that routine that day. He would repeat his routine the next day and receive the Gold medal. Ricky was solid on the reaming events until the end when he fell during his dismount from High bar. Ricky finished in second place taking Silver for the All Around competition.

I will always treasure that day and thank God I took the opportunity to say what I had said. Ricky truly knew how I felt about him. He was my hero.