Watching the Olympics

It’s been fun watching the Olympics over the last week or so. I saw Michael Phelps become the most-awarded Olympic champion in history. The People’s Republic of China and the United States of America continue their battle for dominance in the games. And host-nation Great Britain has stepped up their medal count holding steady in third place.

Perhaps the best part about watching the Olympics on TV has been the time shared with my daughters. It’s rare that we watch television together. I’ve long-since lost interest in the cartoons and teeny-bopper shows they enjoy, and most of the movies I prefer aren’t appropriate for children. However, it appears my kids are not immune to Olympic dreams as events swimming, diving, and gymnastics have captured their imaginations.

Watching the Olympics as a parent with my own children I’ve gained a new appreciation for the dramatic shots of the athlete’s parents. When we see their reaction to their son or daughter’s triumph or defeat it’s easy to get caught up in the emotion of the moment.

That reminds me of another emotional moment. Today is the day Lee’s son, Levi, leaves home for basic training. Lee and I have worked together off and on for many years so I remember Levi as a little boy visiting his father at the office. Now he’s all grown up, graduated from high school, and joined the Air Force.

I can only imagine the sense of pride, the feeling of loss, and the range of emotions a parent goes through when their child leaves home. I wonder if it is at all similar to the feeling of a parent watching their kid at the Olympics.

One more thing on the subject of emotional moments; I’m looking forward to the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Breakfast of Champions this week on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club. The speaker will be Rick Wallenda, great-grandson of Karl and bother to Nik. I’m sure it will be a gut-wrenching, awe-inspiring talk you won’t want to miss.

Until next week,

Matthew Anderson, President
Milestone Marketing Associates, Inc.