Rockstar

The predators are everywhere. Even where you least expect them. In a gym. At a competition. At practice. At away competitions. Around our children. Even dressed up like a coach. With his uniform off he’s a predator, and one child had the courage to report him. He was arrested and ended up on the news.

All I can do is shake my head and hope there are no more victims.

The quilt was gifted before all of this happened. This masterpiece was made for a Rockstar cheerleader. We crafted it as a birthday present for her from her parents. It represents success and a lot of hard work. It represents important values that we get from sports. Teamwork. The right move at the right time. Trust in your team members. She was the lightest and therefore would end up at the top of the pyramid looking down at those holding her up by her ankles. Trust so that she doesn’t fall and skill. Just how did she climb up there and wind up with her body in a contorted “L” position then dismount on cue? Oh to be 15 again.

This masterpiece represents achievement. Take him away. The achievements stay. It represents a lot of parents’ hard earned money to pay for all of the uniforms. Take him away. The achievements and sacrifices stay.

I remember trying out for cheer leading my senior year in high school. I practiced hard. I spent a lot of time on my routine. I kept staring in the mirror trying not to find fault. Was I too fat? Does my hair look all right? Are they going to like me? Will I make it? The competition was intimidating. They were all beautiful. Most had experience. I didn’t. I was fit though. I was an all star on the basketball team. I didn’t worry about the athleticism. Yet I worried about fat. Is that girl fatter than me?

The day of tryouts came around and I was very nervous. My name was called. It was my turn. I started my routine then forgot my words. I froze. I wanted to disappear. Melt in to the wall. I could see people politely whispering and waiting to see if I’d remember and recover. I didn’t. All I kept thinking was people were looking at me and I wasn’t doing my routine and they were talking about me. I was so embarassed. I’d practiced so hard. I left in disgrace and cried my eyes out. I wanted to be a cheerleader.

It wasn’t meant to be. I got over it and put my energy in to basketball. I was the center and pretty good at it. I made the all star team. Despite my public cheer leading failure, this made me feel like a rock star. I finished high school and tried out for the college basketball team as a freshman. I’m 5’8″. The girls were all much taller than me. I was literally looking up to them. They were much faster and accurate. I was cut the first day.

It takes a lot to be a Rockstar. Not everyone makes it. Those in a position of leadership and authority fail often. It’s pretty much a part of success that’s tolerated if not expected and accepted unless and until it involves the misuse of trust with a child.

He’s away. The achievements stay.