Black and Blue Tenacity

So, last night the kiddos had Tae Kwon Do. Now, this was no ordinary class. Well, actually it was. However, it was an ordinary class followed by another hour of GSX team practice. Yes, you heard me, Graham and Sydney, both practiced with GSX's competitive Tae Kwon Do team. Those mere words may not impress you but let me put it into perspective. These kids compete on a national level and some of which are even US junior Olympic gold medal holders. These aren't cute kiddos "playing" martial arts. These are serious junior Tae Kwon Doers.

So, why do I tel you this? Well I tell you because Sydney earned her very first genuine bruise in Tae Kwon Do. We aren't talking about any small inconspicuous non hurting bruise either. This is a big black and blue welt on the inside of her knee. It hurts to look at it. Yes, we are the proud parents of a bruised little girl. We could not be prouder.

Sounds strange doesn't it.

Well, let me tell you why I am proud. She got hit. She got hurt and instead of crumbling in a ball of tears and quiting she fought through it. To me it showed a lot of growth. Sure there were some tears but she never gave up. She kept going.

She didn't quit.

When things got tough she didn't quit.

One of the very reasons that we signed our kiddos for Tae Kwon Do was to learn this important lesson and this is one of the first times I have seen this life skill in action.

I know. I seem all tough and gruff. But, that is not the point. I can care less if they lose or win. I really don't care. In fact, I don't even recall if she won her bout. I do care, however, that they tried their best and they give it their all.

Yesterday I saw it.

Sydney has purpose too.