Focus

If you were to have asked me when he was a little kid wrestling in kids club whether or not J’den would grow up to become an Olympian, my answer would have been, “Sure!” After all, aren’t all parents supposed to support their children’s dreams, regardless how big or small they may be? Funny thing is, I can’t remember him wanting to be anything else, just like I can’t remember Zach wanting to be anything besides a working man like his grandpa, or Drae wanting to be anything other than everyone’s boss. (Well, Zach wanted “tried” to be Superman once and Drae tried his hand as an artist in my bay window…but only once).

My boys have always been focused. Not perfect; but they’ve had a plan and a direction from early on. When J’den was a junior at Hickman High and we started trying to get him to pin down a major for college, I asked him what it might possibly be. His answer? WRESTLING. But J’den, what do you want to be when you grow up? A WRESTLER. No, J’den. How do you plan to one day support your family? WRESTLING.

So, is this mom surprised that her youngest son is now an Olympian – teammates with the greatest male Freestyle wrestlers in the world in Tervel, Kyle, Jordan, Frank and Dan? No. I’m not. But it doesn’t mean this hasn’t been the most surreal experience in our lives!

From the unbelievable outpouring of support from our family and friends (especially members of the wrestling community) to help us get to Rio, to simply the well wishes and prayers from people we don’t even know personally – we have been incredibly blessed! I think my favorite comment to date came from an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, who let us know their loyalties lie in the black and gold of Carver Hawkeye arena, but who also fully supports the Red, White and Blue J’den will be wearing in just over a month, as he takes the mat on August 20th, as a member of the USA Men’s Freestyle Olympic Team.

Focus. That’s where he is now. Working to become bigger (well…not too much bigger), better, faster, stronger. More precise. More driven. More streamlined. Unstoppable. The best he can be.

We don’t see or talk to him as much as we’d like, but we respect that he’s on a mission. Believe me – the time we spend with him is precious and appreciated. We want him to know that above all – he’s just J’den to us; our son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew…and friend…who just happens to be an Olympian.

So, this is how I will begin this blog as we move towards Rio and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Focus.

Your thoughts. Your prayers. Everything that is good – to the men and women who will be representing our nation in Freestyle AND Greco Roman Wrestling; to their coaches and trainers, and to everyone behind the scenes at USA Wrestling!

Go Team USA!!!