What’s it like to watch your son compete in the National Spelling Bee? -- Stuart's Take

I was very nervous last night and at first this morning. While getting ready to go, I realized that there is nothing to be nervous about (what I always tell Jason), that we just have a lot to be thankful for in even being here. On the way down to the Bee, I told him to do his best, but even if he did not make it past the written round, it did not matter; he had worked hard to prepare and it was an honor that God has given him to compete here. He has seemed to really take that to heart all along the way.

After he made it (by 1 point!), I was so excited that he had accomplished his first goal: to get through the written round. He was very happy about it too!

As Jason’s turn approached in the oral rounds, I was focusing on three things: running the camera, running the video-camera, and how to respond if he gets “the bell.” I did not have to think very hard about what to do if he spelled it right. It was so awesome to see him get his first two words correct, and we sent some big smiles back and forth when we made eye-contact after he sat down.

In the fourth round (just one more word and you’ll get to be on ESPN—his next goal), I could tell that he was not familiar with the word by the questions he was asking. When the bell rang at the end, I was so happy to see him respond graciously. Though disappointed, he was not overly so, and waited politely to hear the correct spelling before leaving. What a good sport!

I was a bit worried about how he would be doing when I went to meet him in the comfort room, but he was his usual goofy self, sipping on a soda, chatting with the Bee staff in there. I gave him lots of hugs and kisses, and told him lots of “dad” things—maybe more for me than for him.

What a great kid! I am so thankful to God for him!