Stop Crying

This was the day that my big sister, Bambie told me sweetly, but sternly to, “stop crying!” It felt good, like it feels good to have someone tell you to go to bed, or to sit down and eat dinner, or to clean your room. Sometimes it’s just nice to have someone tell you what to do—to roll their eyes at you and refuse to put up with your irrational behavior. Bambie is the best at that. She can do it without crushing your confidence. That’s just one reason why she’s such a good mom.

Moments later my favorite running duo passed me on the indoor track: the father was reading the course for his son who has a disability. He would say, “pass on the left,” or “keep going, a little stronger,” and, “watch your left side, here comes the mother with a baby.” And there I was, inspired by their relationship, wishing for someone to read my course and call out my shots. But then, there is someone—a lot of someones, actually. I just need to listen.