In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads" | Golden Skate

In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads"

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Ladskater

Guest
In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads"

This will sound like one of the Oscar acceptance speeches the actors and actresses make "I'd like to thank my parents...", but when I stop and think about my figure skating days, it really would have not happened if not for my parents. After moving to Prince George from California, my mom enrolled my brother and I in the Prince George figure skating club for skating lessons. My dad also flooded the back yard that winter so we could skate outdoors. What a wonderful winter it was! I can still see myself outside learning how to skate! I also now appreciate the efforts of my mom to keep me in skating even after my dad passed away. The endless hours she spent at the rink with all the other "skating moms" and never complained about having to drive us there. I am sure there were times when she didn't feel like going to a cold skating rink for a couple of hours! I never really thought about it until one day, I stopped in a rink and realized what it must have been like from my mom's perspective. It's funny how we take these things for granted when we are young. So all skating parents out there, take heart! You may think your budding skating stars don't appreciate your efforts for them in the skating world, now, but one day they will!


Ladskater




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Bleuchick

Guest
Re: In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads"

Ladskater - this is a great idea. I also like the fact you mentioned your dad...as dads usually pay the skating bills.
 
L

Ladskater

Guest
Re: In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads"

Bleuchick :

Indeed they do! In fact, in Barbara Ann Scott and even Karen Magnussens' competitive days, the parents paid for everything - and even some of the coaches expenses for competitions. Sure a lot different today, with skaters being allowed to earn big money to help pay for the costs!

Canadian and World champion, Donald Jackson, had to turn pro after winning the Worlds - he said it was too much of a drain on his family. So he joined ice Ice Follies in order to pay them back. Skaters never "hung around" the competitive circle as long as they do now!

Ladskater

Thanks Mom and Dad!




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dlksk8fan

Guest
Re: In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads"

My dad was the one who took me to and from the skating rink when I was skating. He was semi-retired then and had more time then my mom to do this. He has been gone for more then 20yrs now, but I still appreciate all his time and effort. Thanks dad!
 
C

Cinderella On Ice

Guest
Re: In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads"

Another cheer for moms and (especially) dads!

After becoming an adult and realizing the sacrifices they made, I have made it a habit to continue to thank my parents for my early skating years. Not only was the skating itself fabulous fun, but I've stayed in contact with many of my skating friends. I've often told my parents that I would never have gotten to where I am in the business world without the lessons I learned in those first years. Life is NOT fair, so get over it. Sometimes two IS better than one. Sometimes NOT! Performing in front of a crowd is not as horrendous as it seems. Neither is "failing." And it's not whether you fall, it's whether you get back up.

Now that I've come back to skating (after a 30 year hiatus), the joy they gave me continues. And I share it with them. And for my dad—my main supporter and the guy who stood in countless cold rinks, playing the records, making the scenery for shows, driving me all over creation, and listening to me be a little brat sometimes—my love couldn't be any deeper.
 
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RealtorGal

Guest
Re: In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads"

<span style="color:blue;font-family:comic sans ms;font-size:small;">I hope my daughter feels the same way about me someday--we are at 5:30 a.m. (yes, that's A.M.) swim team practices 3-4 times a week during the summer! The rest of the year they practice 5:30-7 p.m., and let me tell you, it gets cold sitting out there in January, even in San Diego! I'm bundled up in coats (that's plural) - but she wants me to watch her and I want to be there! </span>
 
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SkateFan4Life

Guest
Re: In Praise of "Skating Moms and Dads"

Well said! My hat goes off to the countless wonderful, selfless mothers and fathers who have sacrificed for years to provide their daughers and sons with the opportunity to train as a figure skater. Bless all of you! :D :D
 
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