Kelly Rogers

I’ve just entered my thirteenth season as an all-star cheer mom. I have a retired athlete and coach who still wanted to be at competition to support her athlete sister who is crossing over on level 3 and 4 senior teams. And let’s be real, I can’t do the makeup and hair like she can. I’ve accepted my shortcomings. I remember when my girls were both just cheer babies, and I knew nothing about what was going to happen our lives. It looks like this:

Early mornings, late nights, sparkles everywhere, triumphs, fails, joy, heartbreak, glitter, more glitter, phony ponies with names, cities and burbs, laughter, tears, good coffee, terrible coffee, long drives in fog and snow, long drives on perfectly sunny days, more heartbreak, more joy, stress, tryouts, beautiful uniforms, uniforms that grow too small, $$$$$$$$$$, believing the dollars are worth it, illness backstage, illness onstage, injuries, healing, wins I agree with, wins I don’t, friendships that you never wants to lose, and trusting in a process that is not perfect but meant to give your kids the best.

This morning was familiar. We were each trying to grab our space in the bathroom, pack, grasp the day two schedule, eat breakfast, and lock in for a 12-hour day. Then, we had to figure out where we could put our luggage and park while still making it down to the comp to watch our friends compete. I was rushing out the hotel room door while the girls tried to pack more in my day bag, including a hot curling wand. I miss my husband. I miss my son. I miss my dogs. There was great coffee today from Brew House of Toledo. I even fit in three of three workouts this weekend. While my body gets tired more easily, my heart does not. Would I chose this again? Would my girls? They would. I would.

To all of you crazies we’ve spent these years with…I love you. Thank you for how you’ve shown up for us. You are like the crazy family that makes holidays lit. Let’s do this Lucky 13 for The Rogers.