Dear Cheerleading,
We met what feels like just yesterday but when I actually count it was years and years ago. We met in the most normal way. My parents wanted me to have an extracurricular or a friend convinced me to give it a try or I wanted to try something different than soccer or T-ball. What started out as a little girl who just needed an activity turned into a love, a passion.
I can really never thank you enough for everything you have given me. You were my first love. You have taught me so many lessons that will help me on and off the competition mat. You taught me to be confident, in my body and my athletic abilities. You taught me to have thick skin, I will never let the people who say “Cheerleading isn’t a sport” get to me. You taught me to push myself, with pushing myself I learned I am mentally and physically strong. You taught me time management, balancing school work, cheerleading, friends, family and other commitments has not been easy. You taught me that sometimes you fall, but it matters that you get back up with a smile. You taught me that hard work pays off, and that sometimes it doesn’t; sometimes there is someone out there better than you. You taught me the value of teamwork, counting on other people. You taught me social skills, how to work with and interact with even the most unlikely people. I am confident that everything you've taught me will travel with me for the rest of my life.
I think we both can admit it hasn’t been all uphill. We have had our problems. Some would say we have had a love and hate relationship over the years. Yet, I know when the game ends and the mats are rolled up that I will miss you. One day I will look back and miss the relentless repetition of 5-6-7-8. I will miss the rush of being in front of a crowd. I will miss the empty promise of my coach saying “One more time.” I will miss the smile on my teammates faces after we hit the perfect routine, or just something we have been working hard on. I will miss the moments when my teammates all uncontrollably laugh together. I will miss every single thing even if it drives me crazy right now.
Therefore, I vow to take in every second. I vow to tolerate the injury and the recovery. I vow to remember the rush of being in front of the crowd. I vow to remember the technique. I vow to love my past and present teammates, who are now my lifelong friends. I vow to thank my coaches for their time and for pushing me to be the best I can be every single day.
I hope that you are thankful for the lessons, you embrace the hard times, and keep your vows. One day it will all be over and it will feel like a distant dream, something that didn't ever really happen. Thank you Cheerleading for being a love that will never fade.
Sincerely,
A little girl in a sparkly uniform that fell in love and never looked back
