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.