An Off Session In The Gym

It doesn't feel like summer.  There have been cooler than warm days, and it was raining again today.  Just as well, because things haven't been too hot down at the gym.

Jaylen didn't show up to the gym on Friday or yesterday. I know Jaylen was disappointed because of not being able to get a fight during the boxing show this past Thursday.  However, Jaylen's dad appeared to be more upset and not just because his son wasn't matched up.  Sahia told me he kept asking her who she was.  She explained that she was the volunteer and not the coach as Jaylen's dad assumed.  Jaylen's dad appeared not to be satisfied with her answers nor with anything else concerning what he saw at the boxing show.  "Something doesn't feel right to me here," Jaylen's dad told her as he patted his hand over his chest.  Sahia feared that Jaylen may not be allowed to return to the gym.

First of all, Jaylen's dad has seen me before, and we've had conversations.  He knows who I am.  If there wasn't clarity about the boxing program, Jaylen's dad should have come to me with further questions.  It could be another case of a parent or guardian thinking they know more about boxing than the people who are actually involved in it.  Maybe the parent has a problem with two women coaching in the gym.  I don't know.  But if Jaylen doesn't return, I can't do anything about that.

Aarav and Kareem (I hope I have the spelling right) are only able to be in the gym one day a week.  Kareem's dad, Chris, used to box out of Garfield Park.  He explained that due to his and Kareem's mother's work schedules, it's hard to get their son there other days of the week.  However, Aarav and his parents live closer to Seward Park.  This was pointed out to them when Aarav was registered for the class last summer.  "My wife likes you and the volunteer which is why she rather our son come here," Aarav's dad explained.  But their son has to train more days to be ready to participate in boxing shows. 

Javionte has missed days in the gym, and Damaris, in addition to being absent, too, is showing her usual lack of interest in training.  Adrian is having some issues, so he won't be in the teen class for a while, if at all.  No adults have bothered to sign up.  It's going to be a long ten-week session in the gym.