To Be a Heart Parent or the Parent of An Olympian

I've spent a lot of time as of late watching the Olympics.  It's another tradition in my family dating back to the days when Winter and Summer Olympics were still held in the same year.

To be a Heart Parent or the Parent of An Olympian:

• You know what it's like to watch your child knowingly in pain
• You gave them a final kiss and put their safety and well being in the hands of another
• Spending nights away from your little one knowing it was for the best
• Allow another person to be their primary caretaker
• Wring your hands as you can only helplessly watch as a bystander
• Shed tears as the nerves get the best of you
• Hope and pray for the best 
• Cheer your child on relentlessly and tirelessly through their own trials and tribulations
• Work through the successes and determine how to learn from each setback
• Research for the best of the best
• Celebrate the sweet sweet milestones and victories

We are not so different at all.  I don't know if Olivia will ever make it to the podium in any Olympics as a competitor (there are some less strenuous athletic events out there) and it doesn't matter. She's already a champion