Although all of my children have some amount of athletic ability, I am pleasantly surprised - or increasingly pleased - about Erik's ability. Erik is not like either of my other children - not that he is better or worse, he is simply unlike Christopher or Michelle. Christopher was always very well disciplined - even in his younger days. Michelle shares some of Erik's "lack of enthusiasm for manual labor" but always had an inner drive that allowed her to do better than the average athlete. Christopher was a studier and a bit of a perfectionist. Erik is a follower and a bit of a perfectionist. I am excited about Erik's new passion for his ability. It is building a bit of self-esteem in him that will hopefully prompt him to overcome his insecurities that cause him to be so shy in front of people. (He really isn't shy in the true sense, but it is something he thinks he can use to get out of things.)
Erik has begun to prove himself on the track in the short races and it has been a lot of fun to watch him learn to be a winner! He has a great, patient coach who he looks up to a great deal. He says he is afraid of Joey, but I can't for the life of me know why!! I don't really think he is because he talks about him all the time - Joey and Christopher. He really wants to be like his brother, but he would never admit that. Maybe it isn't that he wants to be like him so much as it is that he seeks his approval because he views Christopher as the great track and field Guru.
Now, if I could get the child to eat like an athlete...
The way I have it figured, we have a good four years ahead of us in sports.
Bleacher butt, here I come!!
