Lessons from Being a Horse Show Mom
As our kids get older, we find ourselves in this in-between space where we should relinquish responsibilities to our teen and let them handle their passions themselves. They want their independence, but at the same time, they still want you to do things for them. “Why didn’t you make me a water bottle?” “You’re almost 17 years old, I think you can make your water bottle. And “No that’s your job, I can’t believe you were going to leave me dehydrated.” This is an actual conversation from today.
Always be prepared. Pack it all even if you think you won’t need it. Pack the phone charger, blankets, coats, hairbrushes, tissues, medicine, scissors. I assure you one item you don’t pack will be the item you desperately need.
Step out of your comfort zone and talk to the other moms. You might find you have more in common than you think. We are all there suffering together. We might as well have someone to commiserate with. Besides, they know exactly the pain that paying that bill is.
Weather can change on a dime. One minute the sun is out and it’s 80° and we are all in a menopausal hot flash, then in a matter of 15 minutes clouds roll in and it drops to 58°. Dress in layers and have 1 billion Sweaters and jackets of various sundry thicknesses available in your car.
Life is a lot like a horse show. A lot of hurry up and wait. A ton of preparation for it all to be over in 10 minutes. We can celebrate each other’s triumphs, and hold compassion in the heartaches. Are you gonna carry out what you bring in? Sometimes you may fall off the horse and you just have to dust yourself off and get right back up there.
It’s a fantastic thing to see your child have a passion for something and be able to come alongside and share the journey with them. I am thankful every day I am granted the luxury of experiencing it with my daughter.