Perseverance. A life challenging, yet favorite word, that I have needed to define, redefine, and “reboot” within myself many times over the years. I am hoping my internal “this situation needs perseverance” meter has improved since I first started using it (e.g., Why oh why did I continue playing in junior high band despite hating it or even after the teacher lied and said she would give me a better grade if I switched to her low in numbers trumpet section?). There are too many positive experiences in life to be had and I don’t want to waste any more time on playing the figurative “flute.” Anyway, today I saw perseverance in action, from one of my favorite people on the planet, my 5 year-old nephew. He has gone ice skating with his parents once a year since he was 2, with baby step size progress along the way. My sister reported that when they went last year, he cried every time he fell. Her solution for this year was to buy him hockey pants(Breezers?) and a hockey helmet.

He looked the part for getting on the ice, but behind the helmet “grill” was one concerned looking nephew. I can’t blame him, despite years of figure skating experience, I was not looking forward to getting on the ice with my rental skates and a bunch of very out of control looking skaters. All 3 of us got out there though (me, my sis, and nephew), and skated….albeit slowly….until it was time for the Zamboni to come clear the ice. My nephew skate-walked the first lap extremely cautiously with one hand holding “the boards”, but by lap 2 he was off the boards skate-walking next to my sister. I could see each time I leaned down to talk to him that he was taking in everything and everyone around him, but in a very focused way. The first time he fell, we both helped him up, the second time just my sister helped him. No crying whatsoever! Somewhere along the way, he began to make a habit of recovering from his falls all by himself. He started moving a little faster and further away from us. The apprehensive look on his face had turned in to one of focused modest pride and accomplishment. When it was time to get off the ice, he told his mom that he just may be the best skater next week when he takes his first real lesson. The twinkle in his eye and enthusiasm in his voice were unexpected, but much appreciated by myself and my sister. He later asked my sister if they could go skating again before his lessons start next Sunday. I am not sure how many times he actually fell today, he says 3, my sister and I think more like 10+. So his “math” skills may not yet be quite up to par, but as far as I am concerned, his lesson for me today in perseverance was an A+.

Denver Art Museum