FUNSTRUCTION! A member interview

Meet Jackson.  Randy & I  met Jackson when he was almost 4.  He started coming to our classes but never participated fully.  He observed from the side-lines for 2 whole years.  He would come into opening circle (with his mom in tow) and then they would both head back to the wall to watch the rest of the class from there.  "Each week," his mother Lisa recalls, "he thought he might be ready; each week he wasn't quite."

Jackson stands head and shoulders above others in class.

However, when Jackson and his mom would get home, Jackson would replicate what he'd seen at class (sans all the gymnastics equipment and teachers).  Again, Lisa recalls: "In lieu of a springboard and giant foam cheese wedge (which Jackson desperately wanted), he used what resources were available from the closet: some pillows and a cheesy old exercise mat.  He even sang the songs and pretended to play guitar in opening circle."

At age 6, he was ready and jumped in with both feet.  Fast forward 6 more years; Jackson's feet are a whole lot bigger, his limbs a whole lot longer with a lot more body to move around.  With the fun-instruction (new word: FUNSTRUCTION!) and encouragement from his TLGC teachers, he has gained the confidence to perform new skills.

Jackson comes twice a week to The Little Gym

Jackson, "I've learned to listen to teachers when they are talking and not to interupt.  Also, I've learned to play with people of all ages (and sizes)."  Jackson now stands 5'8".  He is taller than every TLG teacher (even Randy) and still enjoys every minute on our, sometimes too small, equipment.

Jackson's favorite skills are Handstand Forward roll, Dive rolls and Back extension rolls.  He also comes to our Karate class and there he has learned a low block to ride hand.  "I like how I can block and strike in what feels like one move," Jackson told us.

Lisa, "For 6 solid years, TLG has, without fail, remained Jackson's number one, tip-top, absolute favorite choice when presented with a plethora of activities from which to choose.  He comes to a Grade School Gymnastics and Karate class twice a week because this February, Jackson will turn 13.  It is indeed bittersweet for him to age out of the program.  Our family's loyalty to TLG would not exist if it weren't for the entire McCoy family and their terrific crew.  They are the heart and soul of TLG.  They give life to oversized foam wedges (which Jackson still wants) and confidence to kids who look up (or in Jackson's case, down) to them.  They make the kids laugh and ask them for their best.  They truly like kids, and it shows."

This post was bitter sweet to write.  Jackson has been an inspiration to me.  He has shown me that even at the "tween" age, it is still cool to be a kid.  It is cool to be polite and respectful.  If given the right amount of encouragement, you really can do anything you put your mind too: Jackson perfected his handstands, cartwheels, backward rolls and even back handsprings (with a spot of course).  Jackson will be missed at TLGC.  I will have to wait at least 3 years until he can come back (as an instructor this time!).  I would hire Jackson in a heartbeat.

It is at this time of year we all get sentimental and reflect on what we are grateful for.  I am grateful for customers like Lisa and Jackson.  Thankful for the kind words and the trust and love that Lisa and Jackson has shown me and my team over the years.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!