Ernest Forsuelo

Since he was 2 years old, Ernest has almost always been on the podium. Back then, there were no formal trainings, just my brother teaching him racing lines and giving him simple instructions. What amazed us was how easily he listened and applied them on the track.

At first, we simply let him enjoy. One race became another, and before we knew it, weekends became family race days. We looked forward to every event. In the beginning, we had an entire family entourage cheering him on. Over time, it became just us our little family and eventually, mostly just Ernest and I.

I would always ask him, “Do you still enjoy this? Do you want to stop racing?”

His answer was always the same: “No, Mom. I want to race!”

But what he really meant was, “I want to be with my friends”.

Then he became the “Golden Boy.” not only because of his talent but also because of the shiny gold helmet he loved so much. Honestly, it also made it easier for me to spot him on the track.

We were humbled whenever parents would tell us that their children looked up to our Golden Boy. My answer was always the same: any child can be a Golden Boy. Just show up. Attend races. Train. Enjoy the journey.

For a long time, things went well.

But not all seasons are winning seasons.

When Ernest stopped performing the way he used to, neither of us knew how to handle it. I had become so accustomed to seeing him at the front that I forgot why we started in the first place. Training became frustrating. Race days became stressful. Little by little, I started putting pressure on him to perform even when he didn’t want to. Even when all he wanted was to play.

Looking back, I almost lost myself. Worse, I almost lost sight of my son’s well-being because of the noise around us.

This past weekend was a reminder I desperately needed.

My child already has the skills. His coach has equipped him with everything he needs to become a smart and capable rider. What needed fixing wasn’t his riding it was my perspective.

The bond we had when we first started this journey is what truly mattered.

Sometimes the noise of a community slowly gets hold of you. It happens so gradually that you don’t even realize you’ve been pulled into it. And one day, without noticing, you become part of that noise.

But this community has also shown us something beautiful: the genuine friendships we’ve made along the way.

To all the parents who sent messages, checked on us, wished us luck, and reminded me that “Golden Boy will bloom again” thank you. Your simple “Hi,” “Hello,” and words of encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. 🙏

Today, I’m sharing raw videos from this weekend’s race.

No music to boast.
No edits to impress.
No highlights to brag.

Just the pure, honest emotions of a parent watching her child do what he loves.

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬, ‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.6.4.NIV