The March Slice of Life Challenge
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I was a cheerleader. Not the technical, super athletic gymnast type of cheerleader. I was more of the super LOUD, extra enthusiastic type of cheerleader. I could lead chants and execute cheer moves with great precision. Yes, I was that girl practicing cheer moves at the bus stop, on the playground, walking to check the mailbox, pretty much anytime, anywhere. I was very serious about being a cheerleader.
One Saturday night when I was about 15 years old, I let my pride get the better of me. My best friend, Tammy, had come over for a sleepover. As we sat around the living room, the conversation somehow led to my dad challenging me to a cheering competition. Being the serious cheerleader that I was, I jumped at the chance to show old dad just how good I was! As any gentleman would do, my dad let me go first. I "Ready!Okayed" with gusto then executed a near flawless cheer. It was inspiring! The crowd erupted in applause! Okay. Maybe it was just polite clapping. But I had performed my very best. And after all, I was up against my dad. What did he know about cheering? Not a whole lot...or so I thought.
He congratulated me on my well executed cheer and then he "Ready! Okayed!". It wasn't bad, a little over exaggerated, but not bad. I was feeling okay. He was making up some kind of cheer that made absolutely no sense. Another good sign that things were going my way. His movements were completely over the top. Seriously over the top. I started planning out the words of encouragement I would use to console my poor dad. And then it happened...right there in the middle of my living room with eight foot ceilings. My dad...my old dad....did a backflip to end his routine. A backflip people!
How is a girl supposed to compete with that?!? Of course, I couldn't. The judges (my mom, my younger brothers, and my best friend) gave the victory to my dad. My old dad beat me that night...and handed me what would be one of my most favorite memories!
So really, I was the winner after all.
How is a girl supposed to compete with that?!? Of course, I couldn't. The judges (my mom, my younger brothers, and my best friend) gave the victory to my dad. My old dad beat me that night...and handed me what would be one of my most favorite memories!
So really, I was the winner after all.
Posts
Whoa, your "old" dad is da man! What a fun slice to read. Thanks for recreating the memories for us.
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh this is the best story! You had me right there with you and "ReadyOkaying" with you. Then the surprise of your dad doing the back flip! I can just imagine your face! Great slice, Susan!
ReplyDeleteYour dad is awesome! Sounds like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree : )
ReplyDeleteI found myself smiling while I read through your slice. I was not only imagining your dad doing a back flip, but also what your face must have looked like. What a wonderful memory. :)
ReplyDeleteFamily memories are the very best stories. You have a great dad!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to know how old your Dad was when he won you over this way! Great moves. Sounds like a fun dad!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great piece! I love how you built the tension and then gave it to us! I also loved the ending - with layers of meaning. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face - your students will love this piece!
ReplyDeleteClare
This was HYSTERICAL! I loved it! I can't believe your dad knew how to do a backflip! Did he ever tell you how he learned that? The "READY?OK!" had me cracking up. Love this!
ReplyDeletewow! what a wonderful story you've shared here! and I agree--your students will LOVE this one!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great memory! The vision of anyone's dad doing a backflip make me chuckle!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your last line!
And might I just add, that you have my vote for best cheerleader in current day - always ready with the right, reassuring, cheering comment someone might need.
Oh, what a fun slice! I knew something big was going to happen with the suspension building -- but I had no guess he was going to do a backflip! Wowza! That must have been awesome! Love how you shared this story!
ReplyDeleteYour story revealed an unexpected "flip!" How fun that your dad showed that he still had some good tricks in his back pocket...or backflip! I enjoyed the build to your surprise. Great memory!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great story. The last line "My old dad beat me that night...and handed me what would be one of my most favorite memories!" proves that you are so gracious in the end.
ReplyDeleteSuch fun! I was afraid he would do something to hurt himself. And then a backflip! You're right, this memory is one of those winning moments of your life.
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