Reflection

What is a movie without popcorn?

Several months ago  Girls on the Run asked me to work with a filmmaker to create a video to promote GOTR Chicago. It was a long process but exciting and fun. The interview process got to me focus and put into words all that GOTR means to me. Sharing this process with my daughter, the girls I coach and former teammates was extremely special.  After a period of editing and revising, the video was ready to be shared. I was first able to watch it alone and was moved to …well…a puddle of tears and emotion. I longed to share it with those who participated.  

Our glitter covered red carpet

Yesterday was that day!  We put together a ‘red carpet’ event for the all the girls and families. We shared popcorn and treats as we prepared to see our video. The filmmakers were even able to join us for this special event. As the movie began I saw the girls start to look for themselves and identify our team.  I watched one of my older girls gasp and tear up as she heard her mom speak with pride about all that her daughters had learned from GOTR.  It was amazing to watch the participants watch themselves and feel the emotion of others in the video. 

New tutu for #tutulady

What really astonished me was that so many of us from different schools and backgrounds had common stories and feelings about the program. I learned that was called ‘collective storytelling’. No matter the name, it took my breath away. When the video ended, there was a collective sigh as many were moved to tears and emotionally drained.