Silent Fan

My daughter has always had an aversion to being the subject of cheering.

It's not that she doesn't like receiving compliments and praise.

Just not loudly. 

Or enthusiastically.

And certainly NOT in front of a crowd.

She has never felt comfortable in the spotlight.

Yes, I birthed her. Sorry, kid. 

I come with a mega-phone.

Harper has not played a team sport since First Grade (softball). She's a natural athlete, and yet, from age 7, up until now, she's not really shown interest in any team sports. And then, earlier this year, out of nowhere, she began showing interest in basketball.

Basketball?

Harper and I are not exactly heading the field in the height department.

But, she's fast. And knowing what little I do about basketball after living in Chicago, and literally up the street from Michael Jordan's family, I figured my pint-sized baller could focus on playing point-guard. B.J. Armstrong was always a favorite of mine.

Regardless of what she plays, she's enjoying herself. That's most important.

Which brings us to our first scrimmage. Tonight. 

In preparation for this game, I got a little talkin' to:

"Mom, we need to talk about your cheering."

"I love to cheer for you, babe."

"Yes, I know. That's the thing. You are too loud."

"Um, are you benching me from cheering?!"

"Kind of. Sort of. Just a little. Can you just not be so loud?"

"Wait. Let me get this straight. There are Dads yelling and COACHING from the sidelines, which I would NEVER dream of doing, and yet you are calling my desire to shout 'Great job' as a foul? Notice how I know all the terms going in?"

"Mom, you CAN cheer. Maybe a 'Woot' or clapping. But, just try not to go overboard."

"But, you are my Polamalu."

"Mom. Please."

It was worth a try.

Do you know how hard this will be for me!? Since when can't a mom cheer for her own child!? Ok, so even as I type this, I do understand that this entire basketball venture is not about me. This is Harper's deal. I get it.

And for that reason, I will be the one in the stands wearing duct-tape.

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Joline Pinto Atkins is an actress who also uses the web as her world-wide stage and can also be founding writing at The Cuppa Jo, Fit With Jo, and is a contributor at Daily Fast Fuel. Joline is wife to one (phew - that's good to know) and mother of two amazing children, aged 10 and 6, who are both named after authors. Addicted to fitness, she sweats out any daily angst by running (not with sharp objects) and P90X'ing, and longs for good books, vats of coffee, and an endless supply of buffalo wings - which she will not share with you. So, please, do not ask.