Every muscle of mine harbors jealousy as I watch my daughter do what I lived for 19 years ago...playing basketball.
My mind recalls the day of tryouts. Close to 200 girls packed in the gym of Hillcrest high school in hopes to get their name written on the page to show up again the following day for another try at making the team. I recall being very calm as I did what I knew how to do best and I wasn't surprised to find that I was chosen to come back the next day for the second round of cuts. Because of the high volume of girls the process was long, but fun nonetheless.
On the final day of cuts I worried a bit, but was sure that the coaches would see my potential that even I couldn't see. They did! I was on the team. Those first few years of ball were the best years of my life! I'd go back to that anytime if I wasn't in my old-boned body now. But....
Here's the thing. My oldest daughter, Madison has decided to try basketball this year. She likes it and is becoming very good. She has HUGE potential and I am thrilled to see her take an adventure down a road that I once traveled.
Here's the problem. She lacks the self-confidence that I, too, lacked. As I watch her run about the court, it's almost as though I am watching myself play.
I was afraid to get the ball as to not fumble it and lose it. I didn't want to shoot the ball...what if I missed? I didn't want to shoot a free-throw.... all eyes were on me! My daughter has inherited these same flaws that I had and it drives me CRAZY!!!
I love Madison and hope that she doesn't make the same mistake that I did and hold herself back from lack of confidence. I believe that she, too, can hold the school record for the highest amount of assists and the most steals in one year. Not to mention her ability to shoot the ball. I love her and hope that she is playing for HER love for the game and not for the passion that I had. Because to be honest, I can enjoy ball whether it be me playing, o to re-live it through watching her.
Good job Madison.
