This is Hard

If you follow us on social media, you know our brand ambassadors. These gymnasts work hard both in and out of the gym and share their love for gymnastics and Snowflake leotards with the digital world. They are influential figures for gymnasts of all ages.

Lyla is one of our ambassadors. She is a young Level 4 gymnast working hard to achieve her gymnastics dreams. Her mom Jessie wrote a poem for all the gymnasts struggling during this time. It's very relatable for gymnasts and their gym families everywhere. Here's Jessie's poem:

For Our Gymnasts During COVID-19

By: Jessie D’Amato Ford (mom of @gymnastlyla)

Take a minute or even five

Mourn the losses you’ve had

The end of seasons, loss of states

Take the time and just be sad.

Cry for the teammates you miss

Think of your coaches at home

Spend some time being angry

Spend some time being alone.

Once you’ve grieved for the loss

Get right back up on your feet

There is no time to waste now

There soon will be more meets.

Take this free time for you

Make the most of it all

Work harder than you ever have

Keep getting back up if you fall.

Dedicate time to get stronger

Work towards big goals

Be the gymnast you always have been

It’s your time to fill your role.

You owe it to yourself 

To never give up on your dreams

Practice, train, condition

And repeat as you deem fit.

When this is over some day

Your hard work will shine through

A stronger, more empowered girl

Will make you see what is true.

You can nail that skill 

You can take the leap

You can rise above

You can go down deep.

Someday soon you will know

What your coaches already see

You have won the medal this time

You are finally free.

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Jessie D'Amato Ford is a full-time working momma from home and writer. She’s been featured on Scary Mommy and Blunt Moms. When she's not hanging with her two children or working, she's...wait, that doesn't exist. Keep up with her anecdotes about life as a busy working mom on her blog.