Not Like Her Mama

My daughter is her very own person with a mind of her own. She may take after her mama in some ways (she loves art, she loves words, she has blue eyes) but in other ways? Not like me at all.

She is loud, strong, confident, outgoing, bold and energetic.

Already the height of a seven-year-old, she is tall, athletic and powerfully built with long strong legs. Her upper body strength leaves her brother in the dust - she spends hours swinging on the monkey bars and climbing trees. Oh she loves pink-and-pretty, you couldn't call her a tomboy, but she is sporty (something you could never acuse me of).

Yesterday, the evidence: Junior School Cross Country.

It's been raining, and Miss Fab is desperate for it to not be cancelled (her mama would have been desperate for the opposite).

Mama it's my first cross country! You have to come and watch me... you have to!! she pleads.

Deja vu. This happened two weeks ago - we went, it rained, it was called off. No matter. Of course I'll go... how could I not?

At school there's good news - it may be showery but the Cross Country is on. Miss Fab hugs me and jumps up and down in delight.

The mothers all huddle under the verandah overlooking the sports field. I set Scrag up with a box of snacks and chat to friends and neighbours, all of us braving the weather to cheer on our little ones.

Miss Fab is in the five-and-a-half year old girls race. She lines up and I go down to the field to get a better view. And they're off. Where is she? I can't spot her in the crowd...

Ah there... they're around the first corner and she's at the back of the front pack. The girl out front is leading by a mile.

They disappear from view and when they reappear... my girl is in fourth! I snap pictures while screaming out her name.... Go!!!!!!

Then they're out of sight again while we wait nervously...

At last they re-appear... and there!!! There is my girl! In second place! Another girl is hard on her heels... Go Abby! Go Abby! I scream. Oh, I can hardly breathe!

My little star puts on a burst of speed. Over the line first is the girl who has led all the way. Three seconds behind her is my daughter. She turns to see me as she crosses the finish line... second place!

Oh I am a proud non-sporty mama with a strapping gorgeous sporty daughter.

All of a sudden I am thinking: SUMMER ATHLETICS CLUB. It was torture for me as a child, and I vowed never to inflict it on my kids - but I have a feeling my girl would love it.