Cross Country Meet.

2 years ago, Joshua had been sick for 2 weeks with strep throat and decided to run in the cross country meet on his first day back at school. Although we tried to persuade him not to, he was determined to run. He was VERY upset when he came in 110th out of 200 boys his age. He cried. He begged me never to make him do cross country again. (Hello? I tried to persuade you NOT to run in the race)

So, last year he didn't run because he was in a play. 

This year he once again decided to go into the meet.  I have to say I was nervous for him. I reminded him that he had hated the last meet, cried, begged me not to "let" him do another one. No, he was adamant. he wanted to redeem himself!

I also told him that his three good friends were all exceptional runners and they would probably beat him...would he be OK with that? Yep. His goal was to be in the top 50. Out of 200. Pretty good goal.

So, he ran.

I was DELIGHTED to see him running across the finish line in one of the top groups. He was placed 29th! Out of over 200 boys! He was in the top 30.

Wow...that was such an amazing improvement over the last race. He redeemed himself. Pride intact again!! He was over the moon, absolutely exhilarated, pumping the air for joy.

(His three friends? 1st place, 2nd place and 4th place but Joshua was just delighted for them and for himself.)

Before he ran I told him he was fantastic no matter where he came in ("right mum, you have to say parenty things like that") that I didn't care about his placement  and that he was a GREAT kid ("yeah yeah")

Well, he IS a great kid and I didn't care where he placed as long as he did his best, but I am so happy for him that he came in with such a good run.

Delighted after the race. 
Here he is (on the left) with his ribbon proudly displayed...with his best friend (who came in 1st!) 
Pre race anxiety...I actually felt sick with nerves for him.
With his best friend again and another friend (who came in 2nd!) Josh is on the right.

By the way..all the people who are asking me for posts and pictures...this is the third post today and....and...and...I have updated a couple of times recently. So, am I forgiven?