A Life Lesson in Ice Skates

Yesterday, Donovan's class went ice skating at the downtown Whole Foods headquarters (Austin is the best). It's an annual tradition at his school that started as a geometry lesson. (One of the countless reasons why his school is so amazing... but that's another story.)

Donovan had never skated before and I was a little nervous because he has this weird thing about his feet. He wears socks that are a size too big because others are too tight. Shoe shopping is a nightmare. He has really wide feet and if the shoe is at all too tight - freak out ensues.

I was one of the parent drivers, so I was there to help lace up his skates and get him going. I was helping another kid with his skates when a parent asked me, "Has Donovan done this before?" "Never," I said. "He just tore across the ice like he knew what he was doing!"
she said.

I look up to find his wobbly skate marks right across the middle of the rink. He's on the other side of the rink. He doesn't have the best form, but he is tearing up the ice. Falling, but getting right back up. Other kids who were new at it were more like I was as a kid - skating along the edge until they got their bearings, letting go as they felt comfortable, but staying close to the wall.

He spent little time on the wall. He skated his heart out, got soaking wet and can't wait to do it again.

I was looking through the pictures later and was inspired. We could all do better by following those wobbly skate marks.  He dives right in, no fear. No hesitation.

I wish I could bottle up his sense of adventure and true enjoyment to share with the world.

The world would be tired.

The mothers of the world would have more grey hair.

But, who knows what we'd accomplish and how much fun we could have if we just went for it.