Alaina at yesterdays interschool Cross Country race
I was there when she was born. A premie at 7 months and it scared me initially carrying such an itty bitty girl. I remember when the social worker came home in Omaha to check her progress. I had to learn to look after a baby all over again and she was an easy baby, though delicate.
This is the US and one would think what chance would this skinny girl have against such tall and big made girls? Then I remember the tiny African Marathon runners and how they trash their opponents and prove their superiority!
She comes around the curve
I was never a long distance runner. I was a sprinter so double my awe of her prowess. Standing and watching her on the side lines I scream and whistle for her like I did for my boys. Her grit and determination zaps me. That she gets from her Dad and Great Grandpa.
I watch her Dad Andrew rush across the field to give her some Gatorade. Both parents have finished their clinics in the hospital and rushed out to be present to cheer her on. Annika has even volunteered to be a race guide.
I'll come as long as I can. This is the highlight of my life now. Seeing the grand children do well. And my boys pass the baton onwards and upwards.
