Re: Addition by Subtraction (or I hate Justin Bieber?)
It is certainly not my intent to point fingers or criticize anyone or any of your opinions? just simply stating mine and how I have learned to chill out a little. First off, let's all remember that the original post was concerning children who happen to play 12U travel softball. I as well as all of you realize the importance of commitment and dedication. My DD has been injured several times during different seasons and she has never missed a practice or a game. But when do these kids get to be kids? Practice, practice, practice, then weekend after weekend after weekend of games, then into the tryout season, then on to fall ball, winter training, and so on and so on and so on.
I have to say that I was once "hard core" about softball, the commitment, the dedication, and the butt reaming after an error or the big "K". But recent circumstances have led me to change and realize what is truly important.
My DD was diagnosed three years ago with scoliosis and on June 4th, underwent a six hour surgery to correct her 60 and 40 degree curves. She will be out of cheer (yes, she is a cheerleader) and out of softball until December and then slowly return to working out. During the high school season, it all started to seem so clear to me. Softball should be fun for these girls. They can give it their all and bust butt out there, but still should be fun. It shouldn't be crammed down their throats 24-7. There will soon come a day when they will have the dreaded J-O-B and softball shouldn't seem like one. When some of these teams are having 3 - 4 practices a week and then their whole weekends tied up in tournament, when do they have free time? I have seen many kids who have true potential to play at college level in different sports and by the time they are at college level.. they are done. They no longer love the game. So, now Dad and Mom have not only spent thousands and thousands of dollars for travel ball and additional training, they now have to pay for college because DD is simply burned out and no longer wish to play.
Now I know that there are still those die-hard softballers out there who only want to play softball. But that simply isn't the case with all of these young ladies. I know many girls who only say what Daddy and Mommy want to hear and they continue to play.
I am certainly not preaching or trying to slam anyone!! I really miss seeing my DD play this year and I know she misses playing. We attended two different tournaments this past weekend and she was just itchin to play. But with that said, she is sooo enjoying the free time that she has now that she is pain-free and able to get out and about. We are so very fortunate that her surgery was a success and she will be able to return to this great sport, but having to face that kind of surgery just kind of put it all into perspective for our family. Don't take these young ladies for granted and ENJOY the time they are playing, as well as the time that you spend with them while they are not playing. Even if it is during a concert!