My Daughter's Last Sports Day in High School

I attended my daughter’s final sports day in high school.

She's right in the middle of her teenage rebellion phase—the kind where moms are an embarrassment just by existing.

She never misses a chance to criticize me:

“You’re fat.”

“Your outfit is so lame.”

“Your makeup looks like it’s from the 80s.”

Yep, that’s the level of love I get these days.

And yet, out of nowhere, she quietly says:

“I’m running in the relay. I want you to come watch.”

Ah, the emotional whiplash of parenting a teenager. One moment you’re the villain, the next you're invited to her big day.

The weather forecast said cloudy, but of course, we got blazing sunshine instead.

Somehow, I managed to find a spot that wouldn’t block other parents. I popped open my parasol, squinted through my opera glasses, and scanned the sea of students until I found her.

Mission: Locate My Daughter — accomplished.

With my camera rolling, I watched her laugh and chat with her friends, and I felt relieved.

She looked happy, confident. Like she belonged.

Then came the big event — the relay. She ran like the wind, just like she always has, from kindergarten all the way to now.

Her team won, and I was practically bursting with pride.

She’s always been fast, but seeing her contribute to the team's victory in her final sports day… it was something else.

Looking back, every school year brought a new sports day, and every time, she made it memorable.

Thank you, my daughter, for all those moments of joy.

Now that her last sports day is over, I realize: I’m also graduating—from all the behind-the-scenes “mom duties.”

No more making bento at 5 a.m., no more racing for the best viewing spot, no more zooming in and out with the camera, no more cheerleading like it’s the Olympics.

It’s a little bittersweet.

But mostly, I feel grateful and proud.

You gave me so many beautiful memories to hold onto.

As I walked away from the school gate, with sunburned arms and a tear I pretended was just sweat, I silently said:

“Well done, sweetheart. And… well done, Mom.”