A cross country learning experience

I try to be in town for the most important things in my kids' lives. But since I took a new job almost two years ago, I have missed a couple band concerts and a few school events. But most of the time, Randy is in town to help capture the moments so I don't miss it all. But this weekend was different. Randy had to attend a different conference so I was in San Diego while he was in Nashville. His dad was kind enough to keep up with the kids. The kids were safe, happy, and got to participate in all of their activities.But there was no one to take pictures.And I really wished I had someone to take pictures of Jordan's first cross country meet, ever.Except there was! A photographer and friend I've known for a long time, Dan Gill, happened to be there taking photos for another cross country team. He caught a few pictures of Jordan. He didn't know I wasn't in town, but he mentioned he didn't see (or hear) me and thought that was unusual. So he shared a picture with me and I kind of freaked out in excitement. Then he shared a few more. (How cool is that?)Jordan tells me she had a good time. She lined up in the 9 and 10 year old group to race. (She was particularly proud to be in that group since she turns nine in December.) When the run started, Jordan tells me she started off slow. She says she wishes she hadn't done that. Her two friends from the team came in first and second place. And that was really cool. Jordan didn't place, but she ran almost the entire two kilometers without walking. I consider that an awesome accomplishment. Even better, she was totally okay with not winning. That's pretty special. In the end, she came in ninth place overall in the female division.I'm proud of her for pushing through a new challenge. I had called Jordan the morning of the race and she admitted she was nervous the race would be too competitive. She ran past those nerves and finished her race. I'll already declare this cross country season a success.