TAS Invitational

I made several discoveries this weekend during a high school track and field event.

The basis of these discoveries come from my years and years of attending such events.

Both Nick and Abbi joined their respective track teams the same year. Nick was a sophomore; Abbi a seventh grader. After moving to Taiwan, not only did Ben and Jacob join, but Carl became a coach. We were a track and field family.

Needless to say, I have spent hours and hours of watching my children run, jump, and throw.

But, I didn't mind. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it; I was outside, which makes me happy, and I was watching my loved ones compete, which also makes me happy. 

This Friday and Saturday was the annual Taipei American School Invitational. Eight international schools from all over Asia participated. We were the only other school from Taiwan, as well as the only missionary school. 

March is an interesting month  whether you live in Ohio or Taiwan. In Ohio, you could have sunny springy weather or a blizzard. In Taiwan, it could be sunny and eighty-five or rainy and chilly. 

What does this have to do with track? 

My point is weather is a determining factor to a spectator's enjoyment of a track and field meet. I have attended when freezing rain and snow pelted both the participants and spectators, as well as when the sun baked all those who dared venture out into its powerful rays. From these and everything in between, I draw my conclusions.

Here it is....

I would rather have rain on a somewhat warm day, than freezing rain on a cold, blustery day. I thought about this as I stood at the finish line watching the wet racers dashing for the finish line, umbrella in hand.

The meet started at 5pm, and although it had been raining steadily all day, it had stopped. The clouds were there, but the moisture was gone. 

 Or so I thought.

But, even then, it wasn't as bad as standing under an umbrella being pelted by hard, frozen ice pellets. Or wearing so many layers of clothes, that I felt  like the Michelin tire man!

It did get a little dicey when the wind began to blow. But, even then, I would still choose an early March Taipei rainstorm over an Ohio last burst of wintery weather. 

Thankfully, the next day dawned, not only dry, but also warmer!

I made another startling discovery as I waited for one of Jacob's events to begin. I only had one child's events to attend. For the past several years, there were two or three to kids to keep track of. 

Pole vault, long jump, shot put, hurdles, relays.....

This meet, I had two.

Just two!

So my second discovery....

It's more fun when you have multiple children to root and cheer for! Don't get me wrong, I cheered for the other members of the track team, but honestly, it's just not the same.

My final discovery, has been in the process of forming over the last few months. Maybe being the only child at home, or maybe because he's the youngest, things about Jacob have began to stick out.

For example, every day he reminds me more and more of his older brother, Ben. Not just looks, but the way he carries himself and facial expressions.

Is this Jacob or is it Ben?

Is it possible to have identical twins separated by 4 1/2 years?

I only have two years left to not only attend his track meets, but enjoy having him at home. After losing three children in three years, its nice to know I still have that time!