MAKES & MISSES

By Adele San Miguel

We strap the pole bag to the top of the truck with bungees, double check the tape, sticky spray, spikes, jersey, water, snacks, gas money, ear phones and protein bars. Poles for long approach, short approach, and the pole our athletes dream of grabbing after they have surmounted their personal record.

It’s go time.

Time for the long rides and the opportunity to witness our athletes try once again to push themselves against a higher bar. It’s time to show them they matter by strapping on a seat belt and slipping the car into gear.

We drive to support our children’s drive to beat last week’s height. We review video, ring the cow bell, and start the clap on the third attempt. We stand up and yell because we know the voice of our support is the thing they need most in the moment before takeoff. We hold them through the disappointments.

We drive for the medals and we drive for the no heights. We watch the speedometer click higher and higher. We buy AAA.

It’s time to go.

It is time for this sweet era of traveling alongside our children and helping them become more through sport. We crisscross our home state and the one next to it, learning the landmarks and each other. We wake up in the dark, return in the dark, handle our work from the car, and negotiate business from the stands.

Weekly, our kids try to improve. Do we?

Do we launch ourselves with a new determination to move beyond limits in our work?

Do we push ourselves with the same courage and consistency?

Do we grab a larger pole and go for it?

This is what they do for us. Comfort zones are comfortable, but there is no growth there. Our vaulters stretch their abilities and remind us to do the same.

What is your personal record, moms, dads, and coaches?

Your athlete is inspiring you to surpass it.

It is time.