[Stillraining]

I cannot say I am not concerned for her. but I do support and admire her spunk and determination as well as her belief in herself...to few kids seem to have that anymore.

I have spent now close to 15 years in kids ( Girls ) competitive Futbol ( Soccer ) and one thing is well apparent when it comes to sizing them up. They are worlds apart mentally and physically at every single age bracket...some never do catch up ever to their peers...I know nothing of Jessica's character but if I had to draw an analogy I would guess she is the kid that works her tail off at practice, listens to her coach, ignores the jeers from the stands, never misses an opportunity to compete rather injured or sick, has a positive team influence and is restless if off the field for any length of time.

I have one daughter competing at the P1 level now and it is amazing at 16 (Jessica's same age) what level these kids are physical and mentally competing at..It is easily above what collage level was 30+ years ago...the bar just keeps getting set higher and higher as it does in all sports.

A lot has been made of her pleasing looks as that in some way diminishes her qualification as a hardened steeled sort ready for battle with wind and wave...it has always amazed me that in Soccer it is more often then not the cute ones or down right beautiful ones that have the superior talent and drive to go with it.......go figure..

The fact that she does not have a lot of experience is concerting for her chosen route and nonstop attempt which could cost her,her life which would be tragic to read about..but as it is for the worlds greatest at anything to attempt even greater things it is a risk of life and limb and I wish her well.

If the parents are forcing her I say she is wrong to try.. However If this is her idea and she has grown up on boats and trained to do it I say more power to her and her parents must have extreme faith in her abilities to let her go.... or a total lack of common sense one or the other....but I see that every day with parents letting little 4 year old Johnny or Suzie's walk down town by them selves...In this day and age I see no difference the danger...at least Jessica would die doing what she must truly in her heart love doing however hard we may find that to swallow.

I'm glad my daughters are just trying to compete for a roster spot on some Collage team somewhere ...and I will continue to pray over them asking to keep them from getting brain damage or paralyzed or killed from injury in their chosen battle ground...One thing I do know for sure Jessica... I will add you to my prayer list.

May God place a hedge of protection around you.