Passing The Torch

   The neighborhood kids are really starting to enjoy my skating; which is awesome. They come down and watch. Ask me questions. Cheer me on. And when I finally land something I've been working on; they celebrate like I was Tony Hawk! It puts the biggest smile on my face.

   I've committed myself to skating for (atleast) 2 hours a day; every day. I want to show them that it takes practice. It takes dedication to do this. I explain to them that I'm just starting... and that falling is apart of the process. I explain to them that it's hard... And it hurts when you fall... But it's all worth it!

   I remember when I was 8 or 9 years old.. I started blading because the older neighborhood kids bladed. One of them had a huge funbox that they would set up in their driveway; and all summer they would skate. And me and my friends would go and watch them (in awe)

   Eventually, one of the older kids gave me a pair of his blades that he outgrew. That day changed my life. No longer was I WATCHING; I started SKATING. 

   From that day on; I was a skater.

   I built my own ramps and rails. I saved my allowance and bought my own skates. I got better.

   Whenever these young kids watch me skateboarding; I'm reminded of my 9 year old self. I'm reminded of how influential those older skaters were on my Life; and I take great responsibility for fulfilling that role for these kids.

   Who knows; maybe one day; they will be reflecting back on how they would watch me, and how my skating changed THEIR life.