WHY WOULD YOU CHEER FOR THEM?? YOU LIVE IN MINNESOTA!!

A few weeks ago my 10-year old grandson Ethan told me that his friends at school asked why he would want to cheer for the Wisconsin basketball team in the NCAA tournament.  They couldn't understand why he liked the Packers as well.  They suggested that since he lived in Minnesota, it was not right to cheer for Wisconsin teams.  I was proud of his response, which was  "Minnesota doesn't have any teams in the playoffs, and I like Wisconsin." I did not coach him on who he should cheer for, but he does know that I'm an avid fan of the Badgers and Packers and Bucks.  There are several Minnesota teams that I follow as well. I thought it was interesting that he would share this on our way home from school.

It's hard to go against peer pressure at times and perhaps have classmates tease you or make fun of you, but Ethan had no trouble speaking up.  AND he picked Wisconsin to win the national basketball championship, which they came very close to doing.

One thing I will miss when I move to another state in a few months is the fun I've had talking with my grandchildren about sports, school activities, current events, nature, animals, and lessons of LIFE.  The laughs along the way have been endless, and I can honestly tell you that I've learned as much from them as they have from me. And maybe the best thing I've discovered about them is what strong, independent thinkers they are, and that they do "march to their own drummer," as Thoreau would say. They're very bright, but also possess wonderful, caring hearts. What could be more important? Their great-grandmother (my mom) would be extremely proud of them, as she would be of her youngest great-grandson Ben!

I told Ethan that he could blame that "cheering for Wisconsin thing" on his grandma if he wanted.  But never mind--he was quite capable of setting the record straight.  He would darn well choose to cheer for whomever he wanted, and whenever! He's on his way!!