{ Also see Part I ]

A Mother's Perspective

August 1999...so let the journey begin!

I'll never forget the day Keith loaded the girls into the car and departed for Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They looked like 'Okies' with all of their possessions crammed into the car, and bikes hanging off the back. The commitment had been made, and we turned our daughter over to the capable and nurturing hands of the Pattersons...and to the entire Alabama support system. Kristin was always a great teenager, with potential to be tapped. The coaches assured us they had a PLAN for Kristin, and boy, did they ever!

I'll never forget how completely the team 'adopted' Kristin and Sara, and never made them feel like underclassmen. Genuine friendships followed, and they will last a lifetime. The first season, by all accounts, was a success. Alabama won SECs, Regionals, and placed 5th at NCAAs in Boise. What an honor to be a part of such a fantastic team. One year under her belt, and we sensed that Tuscaloosa was starting to feel more like 'home' than home!

I saw Kristin start to blossom as a sophomore, as more signs of independence emerged.

She moved into her first apartment and adjusted to communal living. The Alabama program challenged her to be her best in athletics, academics and community service. I saw qualities of leadership and maturity emerge as she progressed through the year. As a parent, it is truly a blessing to know your child is being groomed for life's experiences. 2001 was another successful year, although bittersweet, with Andree's injury just before Nationals. Life is not always predictable, but it is always worth living to the fullest. Adversity just toughened the team's resolve for the following year. The summer of 2001 comes and goes, and we see little of Kristin. I think she REALLY likes Tuscaloosa!

Kristin's junior year was tough. Classes were challenging, time for herself was short, the burden of leadership was heavy, and the pressure to win Nationals at home was intense...and of course, there was the annoying ankle injury to deal with. But good things come to those who are patient, and adversity only makes one stronger. Once again, the Pattersons had a PLAN...with all eyes focused on the end game! With a minor setback at SEC's, Alabama rocked the house at Regionals, and took the National Championship at home in front of the appreciative Bama Nation! No words can adequately describe winning a National Championship, but the feeling will be with the team forever. Once again, Tuscaloosa claimed Kristin for the summer...I'm starting to get the picture!

Now reality is starting to set in. How could this possibly be Kristin's senior year? How could she be the only senior? How will she deal with the graduation of her friends? How will she integrate the 7 new freshmen into the team? How will she handle the expectation to repeat as National Champions? Time out. Take a big breath. It can be done! It seems as if the Pattersons ALWAYS have a PLAN. Slow start on the road: strong finish in the championship season. It's not how you start, but how you finish. This is true for life in general, and a lesson learned well by every gymnast who passes through this wonderful program. There will be ups and downs, laughter and tears, joy and pain, stress and relaxation...but what is important is that you learn how to deal with each emotion positively. What emerges after 4 years as a member of the extended Alabama family is priceless.

I've witnessed a complete metamorphosis. Kristin entered the University as an awestruck teenager 4 years ago. Thanks to a lot of hard work, mentoring, and nurturing, she has emerged as a wonderful young woman. She has accomplished more than she ever thought possible. And while one journey is coming to a close, she is setting her sights on future goals as the next stage of her journey through life commences. What more could a parent dream for?