Who would’ve thought we’d end up doing competitions?

What started as an alternative vision therapy for Raven somehow turned into Jeff’s childhood wish indirectly coming true as he lives vicariously through his daughter.

“I’ve always wanted to be a gymnast,” he said.

I reckon he would’ve made a great one too, had he had the support he needed. He’s a bundle of energy. Combine that with being a risk-taker, he could’ve catapulted himself straight into the Olympics.

Supportive as we are of Raven, we don’t pressure her in her gymnastics. I mean, she’s self-pressurised as it is so we just let her be. We buy the leotards and what-not, pay the fees, drive her to her classes twice a week… that’s about it. The rest is on her.

She loves it, though. If I had a dollar for every time she asks me for bars or an air track, I’d be a thousand dollars richer. But between Jeff’s workshop and music room and her pending request for a gymnastics room, there’s simply not enough space in our house to accommodate for everyone’s interests unless we settle for sleeping outside in a tent.

She’ll just have to take it up with her dad and see if he’s happy to sacrifice his beats for her flips.

With my journaling space secured, I’m just a referee.

Last Sunday was her first comps. I was stressing more on her hair, hoping against all odds that her bun would survive the forward rolls, at least.

They did. Thank goodness.

I watched it bounce around during her routines and the whole time, I was crossing my fingers and praying it wouldn’t come undone like it did on the day they had a dry run and she ran up to me to fix it while saying I did a bad job.

I’m sorry. I’m not a hair girlie.

I did promise her that I will try my best to be better at it next time. That’s the most I can do. In time, we’ll get there.

She did really well in her routines, though. I was so proud of her. Just as proud as when I watch her during her 3-hour classes. I can tell she always gives it her best. She’s one of the shy ones amongst her classmates but she also has this quiet confidence about her. A silent determination.

I like that about her.

It was cute watching her team go up the platform to receive their certificates. She got an overall score of 18/20 which is pretty awesome. I’m really happy and very proud of her.

I must’ve said that like, a million times already.

*Raven at 9 years old