I have driven her to practice;

I have encouraged her to keep pushing;

I have supported her

when she was exhausted.

I have done everything in my power;

I can do nothing more for her.

All I can do is sit nervously in my chair,

yet my stomach curls into a knot.

The minutes seem to drag on slowly,

and my body fills with adrenaline.

Are they ready?

How will they do?

Are they okay?

All these questions swirl around in my head,

and I shiver with nerves.

Suddenly, I hear the announcer call out my daughter’s team.

The whole audience erupts in excitement,

calling out words of encouragement.

I scream so loud,

I just know she hears me.

The music explodes out of the speakers

and they begin their routine.

They flip and jump and stunt.

They are breathtakingly perfect,

surely stealing the hearts of the judges,

and I could not be more proud.

The parents