As hectic as Monday nights are around here - there is therapy to be found on Cushman Field from 5:30-8 pm. Each Monday night in June the park district holds a track meet for children up to age 12; the kids throw softballs, do the long jump and run in races from 50 m dashes to the dreaded 400 meter run. They start with the 4 and under age group which gets the whole crowd smiling and laughing- because these kids are smiling and having an absolute blast. They work their arms and legs so hard and motor along as quickly as their tiny legs will carry them. At times, in the 200 m, the younger children have this look on their face like, "What in the heck did Mom and Dad get me into?" but at the finish line, and afterwards, they are beaming once again. Last night, as I cheered on one of the 4 and under boys, he looked over at me and gave me this puzzled look as if to say, "What do you mean 'good job?' What do you mean, 'Keep going, you're doing great?' Are you a crazy lady?!?!"
Everyone gets a participation ribbon and those ribbons are treated like gold - as they should be because it can't be easy to be under two feet tall and run halfway around a track. So, hats off to all you young ones who smile your way through each Monday night in June - thanks for helping all of us smile along with you.
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