So sentimental

I dropped the youngest’s old skipping uniforms off last night.

I got a call asking if I could pass them on for kids to wear to the upcoming national skipping championships.

I felt a bit sad as I folded them up and put them in the bag. It seemed like the final chapter of a major part of my life.

I loved going to skipping competitions and watching the youngest perform.

A video of her first-ever competition popped up in my Facebook feed last week. She was so tiny, only around seven years old. Her routine wasn’t super difficult, but she performed it almost perfectly and I was delirious with pride.

A few years later she became part of Team Teal. I will never forget the moment the team first found its mojo, while competing at the Australian championships.

The girls had completely bombed out of every event. I went to the practise area to watch them rehearse their final double-dutch routine. It was looking like a car crash and they were getting furious with each other as the mistakes piled up.

I went back to the grandstand and told the other parents not to hold their breaths.

But when the kids walked onto that performance floor, suddenly everything came together. As they started to deliver a flawless routine, you could see them stand a bit taller and their faces begin to fill with confidence.

Gold for Team Teal!!!!!

The youngest went on to become the Australian 13 years female freestyle champion two years later and was poised to compete at the world championships in Toronto when COVID-19 hit.

Bloody COVID-19 – it wreaked havoc with our kids’ lives in so many different ways.

The world skipping championships were cancelled, then eventually held virtually. We think that’s when the girls in Team Teal started to lose their hunger to compete, coupled with health issues and injuries.

The youngest went to her last competition a few years ago and I shed a tear as she performed her swan-song routine.

It was fun to go back to my old neighbourhood and catch up with the fellow former skipping mum. We reminisced for 20 minutes as I reluctantly handed over the uniforms. We got the lowdown on how each other’s kids are going and we promised to arrange a drink together soon.

Then I dropped into my former supermarket, which was virtually empty at 6.30pm on a Monday night, but I still managed to run into two people I knew!

One of them was my sister. I miss running into my sister at the supermarket. We had an animated chitter chat before I headed home to stir-fry myself some Asian greens to serve with pork gyozas.

Nom nom.

Speaking of food … My heart has been so warmed by Sikh Volunteers Australia – its members have trekked to the NSW Mid Coast to support those affected by the devastating floods. They have been serving freshly cooked vegetarian meals to hundreds of people each day.

The association wrote on its website: “Whether you need a meal or just a moment of comfort, we are here for you. If you’re nearby, please visit us at Bunnings Taree and say hello. Together, we will get through this—with unity, strength, and service.”

Among the comments on a local Facebook page:

“You fed a lot of hungry, tired people yesterday and we were so grateful.”

“The world needs more people like you – there are no words to describe your kindness and generosity. Thank you so very much for always being there in times of need.”

“Thank you fellas,I am so glad that Australia has people like you.”

We are better together.

Song of the day: Cher “If I could turn back time”