Before Russell left on his World Race, I asked permission to do a guest post about the parent launch. I thought it would be interested to share one parent’s view and expectations. I was very happy when he said I could!
Russell got off the plane from the Training Camp and told my husband (his Dad) and I, all about the Parent Launch. I was excited to hear about it. I was thrilled when he said he wanted me to go. It would have been wonderful for my husband to attend but someone need to stay home with Russell’s younger siblings.
My reason for going to the launch was pretty focused. I wanted to meet the racers, who were going to be my son’s family for the next 9 months. I wanted to put faces, names and voices together. Which I was able to do. I thoroughly enjoyed having supper with the team. It gave me glimpses into their widely ranging personalities. I also got to see just how loving and welcoming they were. I could see that, just based on their Training Camp week, that they were a team. I know that there will be issues between them, what family doesn’t? But I also saw, based on the parent’s sessions, how thing will be dealt with.
I went into the Parent’s Sessions with no real expectations. I wanted to meet the racers, anything else was a bonus. I didn’t expect the Parent’s Sessions to answer questions I didn’t even know I had. I received reassurances about policies and expectations, it was fabulous. I was able to hear from Alumni parents. To see that there were others with the same concerns, reassured me that I wasn’t being nuts. The AiM staff got it as well. If you got through the session without using one of the Kleenex’ provided, then I am impressed. The tears would hit me at the weirdest times. Just a simple phrase or word could set them off. Not over the top crying but the gentle tears that role down your face.
The realization that this trip was about more than my son was amazing. The AiM staff talked about what the Racers were going through (following God’s plans, unexpected changes, willingness to grow) but they also talked about the journey that the parents and the racers’ families would be on. It is a reassuring to hear that. The focus leading up to the trip was on my racer. What did he need, what would he go through… The parents session gave me a chance to think about what myself, my husband and my other children will go through. The thought of not having my son at home for his Birthday and Christmas was tough but I know that while it will be different celebrations the celebrations will still happen. The Alumni Parents talked about how Christmas and other holidays are a source of joy and how inventive the racers get.
I went to the Launch with the expectation to meet the racers. What I didn’t know was that it was actually more important to me to meet with the Racer’s Parents. Other people who knew what I was going through. Other people who would instantly become family. It was amazing. We sat around the table enjoying our dinner. Listening to our racers talking, joking and even singing (I will think of the racers every time my daughter watches Frozen). We were able to connect. I had no idea it was going to be such an important thing. Not all of the parents were able to attend the Launch but I have already started trying to connect with them. I still have a few emails to send out and will work on that.
There is more that I could write about the individual speakers, Seth’s talk to us and the Parent Vision Trip but I think that I have said enough.
I want to mention that I would love to connect with any Canadians who have racers. It is a different experience for us and it always helps to have others who understand.
If you are invited to the Parent Launch I would strongly suggest that you go. It can be it’s own adventure. It also gave me a taste of how plans can change for the racers. I joked with a few parents that our racers were having Adventures in Missions while we were having Adventures in Flying.
