Buttons are bursting!

I am always proud of my kids and all their accomplishments.  But, there are definitely some things that make me so proud, I can hardly stand it.  This was one of those things.

Back in the spring, when we decided to homeschool Sydney, I suggested that we train together to ride the El Tour bike race.  I was excited to spend time with her and work together to do a hard thing.  She said she would be willing.  So, I quickly signed us up so we couldn't back out.  Fast forward a few months, and my hand injury occurred.  By August, it was clear that I wouldn't be able to ride with her (I had no control or strength to use the brakes) and I reluctantly found a family friend who was willing to take her out on rides.

After just a few weeks of training, Sydney came to me and tearfully asked if she could stop.  She hated it.  She dreaded each ride and felt no sense of accomplishment when done.  I apologized through my own tears because I wanted to be doing this with her so badly but was unable.  What was supposed to be a bonding mother-daughter thing, had turned into complete torture for her.  Brent and I discussed it and we told her we wanted her to stick with it. Not only was it great physical exercise, but it was also an exercise in doing hard, unpleasant things.  She saw our point but was crushed.

Through the next three months, Sydney went on 3 rides each week.

  She hated every minute.

 One week, we even did a race together on a stationary bike. But, it wasn't much better.

Finally, race day came.  

 Well, 3.5 hours later, this girl had ridden 52 miles (that includes a flat tire).

We had asked Mariah (my old riding buddy) to race with her. 

Don't tell Sydney this, but I totally cried when she crossed the finish line.  I was beyond proud of her!! She had done something hard, something she hated.  She did it only because she was being obedient.  Because she knew it was good for her.  Because she is amazing!

(She may never ride a bike again)