Hooked on Brooke

Back at SMGC, I was teaching this new girl, Alyssa, in beg/adv. Throughout the class, I'd hear from nearby across the gym at another station, "Pssst....Alyssa"....and this cute little rugrat would wave to her sister. She did that every week, getting Alyssa's attention while in the middle of her own class. One day, I decided to shout out "Hey Brooke" and wave to Alyssa's sister, like I knew her, while she was in the middle of her own class. Just to mimic and throw her off. I hadn't officially met the kid yet and she looked over with a slightly confused look on her face. The following week, I was in the splits, stretching with Alyssa's class. Brooke's class hadn't started yet, and she wanders over to the floor and, without a single word, wraps her arms around me with the warmest hug while I was sitting there in the splits. She's had my heart wrapped around her, ever since.

Brooke had a bit of a tough adjustment to make, going from rec class at SMGC/LASG to a team developmental program at BGS. She misses the pits and the play and the more relaxed atmosphere of recreational gymnastics (and her friend Lexi, who remains at LASG).

Selfishly, I'm glad she followed me (didn't encourage her to), although I'd be happy for her wherever she is happiest. As far as I can tell though, she's happiest around me; and her mom says it's why they ended up coming to Broadway Gym. (^_^)

Happy New Year!

Looking forward and looking back...


December 23rd was Robyn's last day with LASG. What can I say about her? Hopefully, 3 videos, plus one more in the works, says it all.

She's been my mainstay partner with the SMGC intermediates/LASG Advanced (Pre-team) level girls, for what feels like forever, but which amounts to probably a 2 year (however long ago she started at SMGC) work relationship.

Being without her while she was still here at LASG (for various reasons, such as enrollment level on Thursdays) prepared me a bit for being without her on a permanent basis. But it still leaves you with an emptiness inside; like someone walked away with the best corner of your heart. In the short span of a month, 2 coaches and one gymnast I care about have left the gym. Life is like that.

These 3 videos are bitter-sweet. Robyn's Christian, so somehow it seems almost fitting that my song choices come from a Christian rock band I only recently heard of.

The 4th video in the works is more fun, a little uplifting, showing off Robyn at her silly best. For now, you might want a tissue box handy....





I like the description one YouTube commenter left for the song in the above video: That if you have a positive attitude and outlook on life, it will spread; and if it keeps spreading, it might end up coming back around to you, when you are down. What goes around, comes around, round and round...



These videos are dedicated to Robyn, and the kids who love her, and whose lives she brought warmth to.

*UPDATE*
The fourth video is complete:



I think I put in about 10 hours worth of editing. The song choice is one that Robyn suggested I use for a video. So fitting that I should use it for her video.....which totally reeks......


....of awesomeness!