You will have to excuse me today as I turn this mish-mosh of a blog that touches on everything from coffee and nail polish addictions (separately, of course) to my encounters with the evil kind (Other Parents in the park) making it very much a "mommy blog" today because I just can't help but boast and brag about how proud I am of my oldest son.
Of course I am proud of all my boys, but this past Saturday was E-man's day. It was his day to take all of his hard work - five weeks of double the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) training - to fight in his first ever MMA tournament, the 2011 Pankration Tournament. As it would turn out, he would not only get his moment in the spotlight, but would prove to shine in a big way.
My boys play/train for a variety of sports - baseball, soccer, MMA, ice hockey - but never are expected to play for the sake of winning. At their age, it's about learning how to play, learning to be a part of a team, exercising and having fun. Of course it's also about learning how to win gracefully and about understanding how to lose humbly, but the boys are there to play because they like it, not because that's how they're going to make a living someday or even get a full-ride to college. MMA is no different. Excellent discipline, self-defense, consistent exercise, a huge confidence builder, great friends and no, I'm not even remotely hoping one of my dudes ends up in the UFC. (Your loss, Dana White.)
So when the tournament idea came up, it was up to E-man. And he was eager. Being a pretty shy kid, I was surprised but because he really wanted to, it was a no-brainer: "Go for it, dude." Of course I hoped he would win at least one match, so that he didn't walk away from his first tournament feeling disappointed, but we also didn't know what he and the rest of the fight team would be up against so they all went to the tournament with a "this is a learning experience" understanding.
Ready for the first bout
Right there, sitting on the hard, wood bleachers in the USMC gym, E-man submitted his first opponent more quickly than I could grasp that he had even won. I was crying. I don't cry. Did he just win? DID? HE? JUST? WIN? BY SUBMISSION? Everyone was cheering. I was screaming. I was bawling. Oh my god, did he ever need that. Not just for the sake of winning, but in the grand scheme of life right now, my god, did he need that.
Thumbs up after his 1st win
He had another fight. His opponent was a good foot taller than him and an excellent fighter, having one their first match easily. I relaxed. That's ok, I told myself. He won one. I started filming the match. He won again. He. Won. Again. BY SUBMISSION. This meant he had won 1st place in his weight division.
The Champ!
I can't adequately put into words how much pride I have for this boy. Saturday didn't change that. I've always been proud of him. Long before this Saturday. Since the Saturday he was born, actually. This particular Saturday just made him a little prouder of himself. And we all needed that.
E-man, I'm super proud of you. Saturday, Sunday, Monday... every day.
The best! So proud & thrilled for E!
Posted by: Tamara in TX | 27 February 2011 at 09:14 PM
Love you. Love him. I've got tears of pride...for both of you. He's an awesome kid and you're an awesome mama. Hope this win was a reminder for both of you. <3
Posted by: EmmieJ | 27 February 2011 at 09:27 PM
I've cried too at unexpected events. We cheer them on so hard, inside and out, and tell them it's okay either way, but of course when they really need that win we want it as much or more than they do.
Posted by: Jane | 27 February 2011 at 09:44 PM
Dammit you made me cry.
Way to go E-man. Way to go!
Posted by: jenni | 28 February 2011 at 04:59 AM
So psyched for you both! Awesome job, E!
Posted by: mel | 28 February 2011 at 06:19 AM
congratulations! what an amazing moment
Posted by: carmen | 28 February 2011 at 07:04 AM
You should be proud. He is growing into a fine young man.
Posted by: claudia w | 28 February 2011 at 07:46 AM
Way to go, E-Man! That's awesome! :D
*mutters about damned allergies*
Posted by: Chibi Jeebs | 28 February 2011 at 09:12 AM
I AM READING THIS AT WORK. I DON'T NEED YOU MAKING ME CRY. AT WORK. (But, Oh! so proud of both for both of you)
Posted by: Briya | 28 February 2011 at 09:14 AM
Very proud of your boy, and congrats to Mom for being such a great Mom.
Posted by: monstergirlee | 28 February 2011 at 09:25 AM
I'm so glad for both of you. A good reminder of how kick ass you both are. :)
xo
Posted by: avasmommy | 28 February 2011 at 09:34 AM
Way to Rock it E!
Posted by: Nancy [Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas] | 28 February 2011 at 12:32 PM
He's a little ass kicker. So proud!!
Posted by: Miss | 01 March 2011 at 02:15 PM
Yeah to the boy!
We moms do get off on our kids' accomplishments, no matter how hard we try to be egalitarian about it.
Posted by: the mother | 01 March 2011 at 07:49 PM
What a great day for E! Sometimes it is the shy ones that surprise you the most!
Confidence comes over time, so he's on the right track.
Posted by: Keruig Mini | 09 March 2011 at 09:58 AM
Very cool. Nothing wrong with winning!
Posted by: Whit | 09 March 2011 at 09:25 PM