Cartwheels
Can there be anything as cute as when your daughter first learns how to do a cartwheel?
With boys, it’s the first karate chop, or the first homemade suit of armor.
With girls, it’s that moment when they raise their hands up in the air, pick up one of their feet, take a deep breath, and throw all of their body weight into a motion that sends arms and legs flying everywhere.
Then, they look up at you to receive the praise deserved for such skill and execution. My goodness, I was just happy to see she survived the ordeal.
Mackenzie, no excuse me, Cowgirl Mackenzie, has just realized this new talent of hers.
It began about two weeks ago and continues even today. I do find these spontaneous acts of personal endangerment precious and entertaining. The only problem is, while she isn’t getting any better at cartwheels, she is growing more confident in her skill.
Having been a gymnast for awhile as a kid, I was exposed to the proper form and style required to perform one of these maneuvers. The basic concept is that you are supposed to look like the spokes of a wheel going around.
The arms and legs should be stretched out straight; your behind and head should be tucked in, and shoulders pulled back, to form your torso into a tight line. One more thing required for the perfect cartwheel is enough room!
You cannot do one of these just anywhere, it’s dangerous. Especially the way Mackenzie does them. Now, I do not want to seem unsupportive, but the girl looks like a shot duck falling from the sky on opening day. Even worse, she will launch herself into the spontaneous cartwheel anywhere, and at any time…without warning.
In the shower; lather, rinse, cartwheel! During bedtime prayer; “Dear God”, cartwheel! At the dinner table; chicken, pasta, cartwheel!
Even when I walk in the door at the end of the day; “Hey daddy, welcome home, cartwheel! In the van; “yeah were going camping,” cartwheel!
It is only a matter of time before she hurts herself, or someone else, or she absolutely destroys something I need. And yet, as the father and supporter of my little girl’s emotional state and self image, it is my job to be positive and encouraging.
When she gets up from the floor, after each and every attempt at the perfect cartwheel, I look at her, trying to hide my look of shock and relief, and I tell her how awesome she is and how she is getting better.
I can only hope and pray that she doesn’t find out about back flips for a few years, Lord help us all!