It was easy to overlook the couple sitting in lawn chairs to watch the high jump competition at the Tiger Classic track meet in Stroud Saturday.
The man was tall, dark-haired and wearing a baseball cap that read OKIE, and they seemed particularly interested in a high jumper from Oklahoma Christian School.
Turns out, they were Kevin and Sarah Stitt, there to watch their son, sophomore Remington Stitt.
Oklahoma’s governor and first lady sitting in lawn chairs at a track meet in Stroud. It was clear they were there just for their son. There was no entourage, no trappings of office and no political posturing. If you didn’t already know what they look like, there would have been no clues to identify them as the state’s first couple.
We have disagreed with the governor on more than a few issues during his two terms in office, but he - and the first lady - deserve props for showing up on a breezy Saturday to support their son.
And this wasn’t an isolated incident. Gov. Stitt has been at cross country meets and even middle school competitions in our area the last fewyears.
There is more to being a parent than providing half your child’s DNA.
Going to your children’s events seems like a basic part of parenting, but, sadly, it’s not the case for many. There are reasons for missing events - illness, emergencies, work - but it’s something that all parents can do for their children.
Studies have shown that parental attendance at children’s activities boosts academic performance, improves behavior and fosters emotional well-being.
It lets the children know they matter and it allows parents to see their children’s strengths and preferences.
We don’t want to patronize the Stitts for being good parental role models, but it makes a strong point: The governor and first lady - two of the busiest people in the state - took time on a Saturday to drive to Stroud for their son’s track meet.
If they can show up as parents, then almost everyone can.