Is it weird that for Mother’s Day I considered asking for a butt cushion? We have a chiropractor in our ward and I’ve seen his family bring a silicone pad to church that makes the cold, hard, metal chairs more ergonomically correct. I for one, never thought I’d covet one of those. I’d never be an old person dragging my own fold up seat cushions to church or stadium sporting events, but then Gerrit discovered karate.
Gerrit is a brown belt in his karate school, which means he’s attended 4 million classes and either Eric or I, as his parents/guardians/chauffeurs, have parked on the aluminum bleachers through most of them.
In November Gerrit tried out for and was chosen to be on “SWAT”, which is a karate performing team. In addition to the 4 million regular classes he now has a spiffy red uniform and 4 billion practices to attend. That’s 4 billion, 4 million weekly classes and practices but here’s the thing: If you asked Gerrit if he’d be willing to go to another karate class, he’d be there with a smile on his face. I never have to say, “Hurry up and get ready for karate.” In fact, he is often out sitting in the car five minutes before it is time to go.
On Mother’s Day weekend, Eric and I spent hours and hours and hours both Friday and Saturday with our butts on folding chairs while Gerrit competed in his latest tournament — and it was so awesome! I was so proud of my son. Watching Gerrit compete with his team, and also in individual events was exciting and nerve wracking and wonderful. His poise is amazing to me.
In addition to that tournament, Gerrit has also competed and performed in other tournaments and events, including a Utah Jazz half-time show. Here are some of the highlights:
That was cool and awesome!!!
Remind me never to mess with Gerrit.
Speaking of cushions, there’s a gal in our ward who, after giving birth the last time, started bringing to church what looked like a cheering leading accessory for the Oregon Ducks (a large, bright yellow “O”). The baby is more than a year old now and the family is still accompanied every week by the “O.” If the other ward didn’t object, I bet they would just attach it to “their” bench in the chapel. I can ask where she got it….since I’m sure you have at least 3,999,999,997 hard, aluminum bleachers to go. Maybe they come in a bright blue “B” or a flashy red “U.”
I’m impressed! It’s great that Gerrit has found something he really likes. And, it looks like it definitely makes an athlete out of him. I think I would have to sprain something to try any of that.
No it would not be weird…… for the amount of long dedicated hours people have devoted to their children in the name of sports, dance, music etc you would think someone would have come up with a “Parents Comfy Cushion” or such. Now you can always go to the Pharmacy and get one of those not so cute donuts they sell but I like Cathys idea of a bright blue “B” or a red “U” or do what I did for years at baseball games…… just folded a Cowboys blanket and planted myself. Nevertheless its so wonderful to see the awesome smile of accomplishment on Gerrit’s face. Thats worth any amount of discomfort in my eyes. You are a dedicated Mum Shannon and Eric beams right along side of Gerrit. Its was so much fun to be a part of his evening at the Jazz Game. Thank you……. They kicked butt and so did Gerrit……..Way to go Gerrit. You are awesome young man.
Holy schnikes that was way cool! Gerrit that was pretty impressive. Although I would have liked to have seen more of the fight scenes 🙂 the shots of you kicking above the guy’s head were wild. Good job on all the hours of practice that must have taken to learn all that.
The next American Ninja in the making, or Batman since you can already fly!
Yeah, Tell Gerrit how proud his Grandpa is of him, I hope he goes for the Olympics and I know what Shannon wants for Christmas.
Wow! I think they must have defied gravity! That was better than Swan Lake any day. That happy Gerrit smile was the best of all! Would love to see it some time!
Here it is almost July and I, at last, found this email. I did see it while I was in Georgia but a bit better on our computer.
WAY TO GO Gerrit! I loved watching you when I was in Utah. You are so good at this. Now you probably will not see this post since it is soooooo late.