Happy Birthday to our best big girl! Today is not only the celebration of Gabi’s birthday but the celebration of becoming the 2018 JOAD National Indoor Champion and the 49th U.S. National Indoor Champion with two new national records. Gabi also comes to another milestone in her archery journey. After this year, she graduates out of Bowmen and into Recurve Cub Women: 13-14 yr olds. There is no doubt in my mind she will seize this challenge and face it head on with all the enthusiasm and grace of a strong young lady.
For 6 years Bowmen division has been exceeding generous to Gabi. With hard work and dedication she has earned back to back JOAD National and U.S. National Indoor Championships, Vegas Shoot Championships and a silver at the 2017 JOAD National Outdoor Target Championships. And despite her early achievements and our (mostly me – not mama) fussing over her she remains steadfast in her humility, kind, lovely and unwavering in the pursuit of her dreams.
Many consider archery an individual sport. But all along the way Gabi has never considered herself an individual competitor. She has always thought of herself as a member of a team and if not a team she has been part of an archery community. Thank you to Next Step Archery, TheNock Point and the Select/Excel travel team members. Thank you to coaches Josh Raby, Timm Hines, Karin Nelson Cook. And thank you to Darrin Barry, Faith Cook, Bob Hickey and the Hickey family. Finally, thank you to mama and Gabi’s biggest fan Gracie!
I’ll wrap this up with some of the most honest words that have resinated with me while reflecting on Gabi’s archery. “We all want a medal, but not everyone will get one. Some are going to leave here feeling like heroes, some will leave heartbroken, and some will have had moments when they felt both – because we care. That is real. That is life. It’s amazing and terrifying and wonderful and brutal and exciting and nerve racking and beautiful. And honestly, I’m just so grateful to be part of that.” – Mikaela Shiffrin
Congratulations and Happy Birthday big girl, you are simply amazing to your family. We love you very much, you have brought us great joy.
