I love to watch you play

I was reading a survey somewhere on the interweb about what parents of professional athletes said to their children to encourage them in their pursuits.  The survey overwhelmingly found the phrase, "I love to watch you play," repeated again and again.  Such simple words and yet when I first read them a chill ran down my spine.  I was overwhelmed at how deeply moving they were.   It was saying "I believe in you in, in that thing you feel so passionate about.  I love you and I'm so very proud of you."  Who wouldn't feel emboldened by those words?

She's got her own style

So, Abigail,

                  ...I love to watch you in gymnastics.

                  ...I love to watch you throw your head back and laugh.

                  ...I love to watch you eat chocolate ice cream.

                  ...I love to watch you climb.

                  ...I love to see you hug the Fink.

                  ...I love to hear you say, "watch this move," and you show us  a new dance move.

                  ...I love to watch you hula hoop.

                  ...I love to watch you watch handball players and wonder when you'll be able to do it.

                  ...I love to watch you flip.

                  ...I love to hear you sing the "I Don't Remember" song you created.

                  ...I love to watch you read in bed.

And today when you had your first playdate with a girl from your class, I loved to watch you say "that's me," when she held a baby picture of you.  You were proud of youself as you showed off your room with all the drawings, photos, colors, books and toys that help make up who you are.

I love to watch you be you.