Failure is NOT an option!

I am writing this post during what they say will be one of the worst snowstorms the entire country has seen in a long time. It is also two days before Mark's promotion to Fire Captain, and I think of his Climb. I think of what it represents to our children and how much more of an impact it has on them than he realizes. I don't think he realizes the honor he deserves for his service to the Milwaukee Fire Department for the past 20 years...the many lives I know he has personally saved, the sacrifices he has made, the role model and teacher he has been to many people. But mostly I don't think he realizes just how closely his climb is being watched.

Our youngest son, Luke, who is 7-years old, always puts forth 110% effort in whatever he sets his mind to do. Unfortunately, he is his own worst enemy because any small amount of even possible failure, he is ready to throw in the towel. His frustration level with himself can easily spill into an all out battle. Last year he had a few months of extra reading help and his teacher and I were both just amazed at how much better he was doing. We both attributed it to him just needing a "confidence booster."

Last fall while I was sitting at one of Luke's soccer games, I realized just how much he struggles with self-confidence, especially when it was his turn to be Goalie. Holy cow! Did he ever hate being Goalie! Just the look on his face! I realized what a tough position that is to play: you feel like the WHOLE team is counting on YOU. And if you mess up and the other team scores, you feel like it's YOUR fault, even though we all know in reality it isn't. It is a team effort...all along the way. That is something that he is learning with time.

By the third score against our team, I knew Luke was done. Completely done, especially when I saw the tears come (trust me - they don't come easily with my little tough guy).

And interestingly enough, everyone knew exactly where he'd go - right into his momma's waiting, open arms. He didn't even look at Mark or his coach. And I just let him fall into my lap and cry because I knew what he was feeling. I think I may have actually physically felt it too (it's a mother thing ;).

While I'm patting his back, inside I'm thinking, What do I SAY to him? He can't just sit here and cry! The game is still going on! They need him!

But then again, I knew my child and I knew what he needed to hear from me right then.

I said, "Luke, failure is NOT an option! You go back out there and you continue to do the best you can and it is OKAY if you mess up! It is about learning the game and having fun and figuring out what position you play the best! We believe in you. Now you need to believe in yourself." He stood up, wiped the tears from his face with his shirt (of course!) and walked back out on the field.

I don't even remember now if they ever won that game or not. It doesn't even really matter. I just hope that Luke learned what he needed to that day.

But what he needs to learn (trust me - I'm also preaching to the choir here: me!) is that it is ALL about the Climb, isn't it?

So this one's for you, Luke, in honor of your daddy's upcoming promotion. I know you probably won't read this until you're older, and I hope by then you have a deeper understanding of what this all means. I am going to share the Truth with you now that I couldn't share with you that day on the soccer field.

Here it is: Failure IS an option.

It just IS. That's the Truth. And sometimes it has nothing to do with YOU at all. Life is not easy or fair. It will knock you down. It will bring you to your knees. There will be always be another uphill battle. Another mountain to climb. Dreams shattered. Your faith will be shakin'. That's just Life.

But... in the end, if you keep the faith, stay strong, just keep pushing on... it's really ALL about the climb. Those are the moments that count. Those are the moments that define you, the moments that make up your Life. And, Luke, one more thing...there is also a lot of Joy along the way and especially, in the end. So, keep climbing Luke.......keep climbing.......and I will always be here to be a soft place for you to fall if you do.

Thank you, Mark, for showing them how to do the climb well. We are so proud of you!