Article April 11, 2005 Issue

LESSONS FROM THE MAT

ROBIN HOAGLAND

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

WRESTLING MUST BE about the hardest sport to watch as a mom. My son is on the team, but it doesn't even matter whether I know either of the two kids tangled together on the mat. If one gets pinned by the other, I can't help feeling maternal tears welling up for the "loser."

It was hard for me to appreciate the larger lessons that were playing out in front of me. In fact, both wrestlers walk off as winners. One may carry some points for his team, but the other has gained experience, tested himself against what he has already practiced, and found there was more to learn and achieve. His is an inner score card accumulating points in courage, persistence, resilience, and poise.

And every loss is a lesson in what not to do the next time.

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