That said, here's what happened at the pinewood derby. Topher's group, Webelos 1, raced second. His car was very fast. The computer program flashes the speed and placement of each car in each race. Jay had helped another boy from Toph's den with the wheels on his car and Jeremy's car was also fast. Topher won first place in his den and we could gage by looking at speeds in the following races that his car would be a contender for first place. I was incredibly conflicted. I approached Topher with the possibility of withdrawing from the grand championship race to give someone else a chance to win. I told him that I wasn't sure what was right or wrong but encouraged him to make the decision himself. When Ronan's Wolf group raced it was clear that Ronan had a very fast car too, and he won his division. The Tiger Cubs raced last and I checked in with Topher to see what he had decided to do. I confess, I really wanted him to withdraw from the race and I think he sensed that, but I also voiced my support of his ability to make a decision and that I would stand behind whatever decision he made. Just before the championship races were about to begin Topher quietly withdrew. Our very gregarious cub master called him to the front and asked him to publicly state what and why. I felt anxious and then so well-pleased when my son simply said that he had won before and felt like someone else should have a chance. The lady standing next to me looked at me and we both started to cry. We were not the only ones.
It was a rewarding experience for me as a mother. I felt like my son had done a selfless thing, a hard thing and that he had made a positive impression on many people. More rewarding was hugging my boy away from the action and seeing the tears in his eyes and sensing that they weren't tears of sorrow.
Ronan went on to win the championship with Jeremy in second. Let me also state that I was so proud of Ronan. He was a very gracious winner and a good sport and he made me happy. What a privelege to raise such sons!
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6 comments:
Wow. What an amazing young man. Topher, I am very proud of your decision. It was very mature. Ronan, I am glad that you were a gracious winner, and I'm super glad your car was so fast. You both rock!
Laur, you are a great mom. I have always been amazed (and quite envious) at the patience and love you show your children. They are so blessed to have you.
I am impressed on so many levels. Mostly, I am astonished that Jay could produce consistently winning cars. Steven's first pinewood derby car won and Brent spent the next nine years trying to make another car that would win. Didn't happen. It is great to be able to read about your family and happenings there. it somehow makes the miles seem not so far. Thanks for blogging.
Lauralee...how does one attain the commitment level to motherhood that you have??? Its inspiring. Especially after I just took a hammer away from Noah after he'd pounded it on the wall a good 10 times (of course, he does it as fast as he can once he sees me). Some day I hope I can see the fruits of teaching him good choices..like not hammering the wall. Or maybe he'll go into construction:)
Thank you for the book recommendation. I am in dire need of a good book. And I've decided I won't be able to take recommendations from Marisa again as the last book she told me to read had me down right mad and sad the whole day...Gone with the Wind. What can I say, I like happy endings.
Whewww...thanks for the warning. :) I had not read the PD Post #1 -- what a great story. Mom was telling us about it and she couldn't help getting teary again.
Laur, you've got great kids and you are my prototype for a great mom!! I wish I had so many of your qualities.
Toph and Ronan, Congrats to you both!
It was a great experience for all, and I'm really proud of both of the fellas. We had 2 winners that day. Both so gracious.
Laurie, I think I should be offended. ;-) It is quite amazing though. We had the top three cars this year. Topher, Ronan's and the other boy that Lauralee mentioned that we helped with weights and wheels. And I've got to tell you seeing that other boy, who comes from EXTREMELY reduced circumstances come in second overall, was so rewarding.
The real question is what do we do next year? Should we just focus on the aesthetics of the cars and bag the whole race thing?
By the way Lauralee, you are SUCH a great writer. I love you.
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