2011 Chapter: Megan & Gymnastics

As many of you followed over the years, my daughter Megan was quite the gymnast in the YMCA competitive gymnastics program. She began to compete with the program in 2007 after completing several of the "regular" programs and showing a tremendous upper and lower body strength.

It was a fun time for mother & daughter, having a network of friends doing the same thing on the weekends. We traveled to various cities in Ohio as Megan progressed through the levels - 4, 5, 6, & & 7. It was thrilling to watch her do things I could only ever have dreamed of! Flips and twirls, splits, bar routines and lots of ribbons and trophies.

We were also fortunate that she qualified to compete in Nationals every year. We visited Sheboygan, Wisconsin (home of Johnsonville brats!), Pennsylvania, Toledo, and even San Diego! Those were awesome experiences for both of us. As a level 5 gymnast, we got the thrill of a lifetime as Megan took 1st place All Around in her age/level group. So much fun that we took a trip to NYC afterward to celebrate!

Unfortunately, in February 2011 her gymnastics came to a screeching halt. At a meet in Cambridge, I had just watched two of her teammates injure themselves during their routines, one badly breaking her arm. As Megan began a beautiful floor routine, she fell on a landing and rolled her ankle.

This unfortunate accident took us screaming to the urgent care. It was a sprain and torn tendon. While she didn't want this to stop her, she took a break from it all until Nationals in June. She was able to compete and did well, but did not place. Track, softball, and volleyball took over for the rest of the year. I am happy to report that although she took a long break, she is interested again and has gone back for a practice to see how it goes.

We'll see what 2012 brings! Stay tuned!