When Brendan first started climbing, I put him in a class. Every week, I would drop him off at the gym. To minimize my trips, I brought along papers to grade while I waited for him. Well, one of my teacher colleagues at the time said, "Janeen! Why are you working?". I said, "What else would I be doing?" She said, climbing! Well, long story short, she taught me how to climb and accepted all of my squeals and complaints - Thank you, Sasha! Now, this has been the best thing for me to be able to connect with our son.
But Sasha went off and had a baby and moved away, (Yes, Sasha, I still miss you!). So after having the idea of getting some climbing moms together to wear a climbing mom shirt for our next comp, the Coalition of Climbing Moms (CCM) was born! And then I thought, wouldn't it be great to climb together? I still haven't found a belay buddy even after all these years.
For a while, Brendan and I were waiting for him to be old enough so we could belay each other, then...COVID hit. And all climbing stopped. Then, he got so good I felt silly climbing with him. Now, we have made a complete circle and he is asking for me to belay him all the time. I did not think I would become part of the training plan! We have had such a good time while I belay him during his workouts. Honestly, it is the most I've been able to talk with him besides being on a climbing trip.
For parents whose climbers are getting close to college age, this is the perfect time to get some mother/guardian/son time in with your child. They will laugh at you but that's OK. I'll take that and the conversations any time! 🥰💛
The Alaskan CCM! Great job, ladies!
Upward and momward!
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