Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

Take Charge Photography

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Although I am not a professional photographer by any means, I take my craft seriously. When the subject matter is none other than an exercise in creativity, I am a little more laid-back about my role. But when the moment is one of those critically important, can’t-get-this-moment-back events, I have been known to be a little bossy. This past weekend was one of THOSE times: My baby’s Senior Prom.

Unlike last year, YaYa took it upon himself to handle the preparations such as the tuxedo rental and corsage purchase. I helped him financially but he took care of the details. On the morning of the big event, he got his hair cut, picked up his tux and the corsage, all on his own. I stayed available in case he needed me — but he never did. As the hours ticked past, I noted how odd (and a little left out) it felt to not be needed. Of course, I was also very proud of him too.

He was gone for quite some time and I began wondering if he would be coming home to get ready. He laughed when I called him to ask. “Yeah, Mom”, he said, “I’ll be home soon. I’m just eating lunch.”

Time passed quickly in the final hours before he was ready to leave again. I barely had time to take this quick photo before he drove off to hook up with his buddy and then their dates for photos at the municipal rose garden. Knowing that everyone from all the school proms like to go here for photos, I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to get the perfect shot so I really wanted to get a good one of just him. The moment necessitated getting in touch with my bossy side.

Initially, I felt bad for the other parents in our little group of prom-goers. But my guilt immediately disappeared when grandma went to the other side of the couples to take a photo while everyone else lined up on the other. I hollered out, “Wait a sec…. KAREN, this side of them. You’re in our photos and we are in yours!!!” It was funny that nobody caught on to the error but me. I took complete control after that. I directed the couples, called for them to wait out when someone was in the background, and sometimes directed the potential photo-bombers out of the shot.

The results were LOVELY!!!

 

Personal Best

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After missing his vault, YaYa pulled off his spikes and left them lying there. Since he had to clear 9 feet in order to move on to finals, the season officially ended there. Although he wasn’t able to move on, Track and Field ended on a good note, at least in my eyes.

Although he certainly was exposed to running, this was YaYa’s one and only track season. I know if he was given another season, or even month, he would have continued to improve. I cannot say how impressed I am in all that he accomplished in such a short time.

Of course, I LOVED watching him run. Sprinting was never my thing; THIS was truly all him and I was so proud to see him toeing the line. The final stretch of his races were always indicative of how much effort he put forward. Truly, he gave it his all —  no matter how painful. When he was in the 2nd heat, he had the glory of leading the pack but nobody else to push him but himself. And he did.

It was in the first heat where he really showed his mental strength. I know, from my own experience, how hard it can be to keep your head up and continue pushing yourself when your competition far exceeds your own ability. In his final race, he kept pushing right to the end and never let them out of his sight.

Then there was pole vaulting. When YaYa first told me that his coach thought that although he was such a big guy he might be able to learn the skill, I was amazed that he had the courage to even try. Try, he did — with all his might.

When competing in the 400 meter AND the 800 meter had him too pooped for his vault, he gave it the 800 meter with the hopes of improving his success. He even gave his triceps (and probably more) a little extra attention in the gym.

Often he made it over but failed to get his arm out of the way on time. He didn’t even knew how close he was to making it to finals until I showed him this shot. In the next frame you can see that he pulled his arm over successfully but didn’t get it in tight enough to his body. Of course he had mixed emotions in seeing how close he was.

YaYa’s success was in the journey. I am very proud. I hope that he is too.

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Fearing the Inevitable

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Once again, I am in awe that another year is behind us. Time seems to be picking up speed as it flies past us. My fear of missing out on life’s precious moments is increasing. What’s more, I have found myself alone a lot more these days — as my sons grow more and more independent. The reality that BoBo will soon be moving out and heading south follows with the inevitability that young YaYa will soon be doing the same. As I sit with this truth, all by myself, I take note of how lonely my evenings have become. And I wonder what I will do to fill the emptiness.

It’s good that my sons are heading in this direction. It is what parents want for their children. I mean, I have a list of things I had planned to do after they leave the nest — such as a trip to Mysore India to practice at the KPJAYI, finishing my yoga teacher certification and perhaps actually teaching yoga. I figured I’d be remarried by this time and that I wouldn’t be alone. But I guess I too am growing up and becoming independent. Whoa! That’s a new concept, isn’t it?

Ha!. I am a slow learner.

Try as I might, I cannot fight the inevitable. Honestly, I want to see them grow and become independent.

Whatever my future holds, I am certain that they and *I* will be okay.

Until then, I am trying to relax a little, continue to enjoy being with them whenever I can, and trust that everything will indeed be okay when they are both on their own.

And if I pick up a few skills in the process than that would be good too.

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