Did you notice when your children were growing up, or if they’re involved in sports or hobbies right now, that their interests become our interests? Driving to practices or sporting events, music lessons, after school programs, dance, gymnastics or cheerleading, it’s hours of time and energy. For us, it was sitting at the soccer field and at some traveling games. Giving up Saturday mornings just becomes the norm.

And then they grow up and they’re gone. We get our time back.

Or do we?

In the last year, my thirty-year-old daughter decided to take horseback riding lessons. She’s always loved horses, loves to ride the trails when we go on vacation in the mountains. She’s done well and when the owners at the stable suggested she learn how to show jump, she was all in. This starts with the rail on the ground, then working up in height as you master the skill. So of course, when she had her first official show, my husband and I showed up to support her.

She had to show her skill of sitting on the horse, control and moving over the rail, as well as other commands from the judges. All this on top of getting the horse with a mind of his own to listen. She did well for her first time, came home with some ribbons. After her event, we watched the other contestants show off their skill levels. There were four different arenas with on-going events all day long.

Her interest has opened up a whole new world for me, which I can use in my writing. As a an author, no experience goes to waste. Anything and everything goes into storytelling. And as it happens, the book I just finished and the one I’m working on right now has horses in it, so now I have a go-to person for research.

Goes to show, we’ll always be there for our children, no matter the age or the activity. We had just as much fun watching her master a new hobby she loves as we did when she ran up and down the field kicking the ball. She might not ever jump a cross rail located three feet off the ground, but she’s excited about the beginning steps and we’re along for the ride.

Enjoy the activities your kids or grandkids are involved in. Who knows, you might learn something new.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming romance, HIS SMALL TOWN DREAM, available SEPTEMBER 2022. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.