Today I had to let go of something that was near and dear to my heart. It's where my daughter started her swimming career. I have to let go of the summer swim team.
It is where my daughter got her first opportunity to step into the water and it is where she first fell in love with the water. It is a program that now being turned around and we've put a lot of hard work into seeing the program do just that.
This program has given her so much and has been such a stepping stone for her swimming career.
I am going to step down as the Vice President on Monday officially.
I will continue however, to give to this program with my time. I can't walk away cold turkey. It has been a part of my life for over 6 years.
There are several things that were great about the summer swim league.
- It's fun.
- There is absolutely no pressure.
- McDonald's after every meet. (Not my favorite thing by any stretch of the imagination)
- She's at the top of her age group. (This is a excellent place to be!)
- Two of my lifers have children on the team, which makes for a ton of fun to be had by the three of us.
While there are lessons to be learned, they will take time.
Finally on Sunday in between races she was told by her coach that she must stop doing all other activities and only concentrate on this swim team if she wants to take her swimming to the next level. She needs to put all her energy into this one program. She needs to stop spreading herself too thin.
Simply put from now on she just needs to sleep, eat, & swim. And yes, that is a photograph taken of the back of my car.
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7 comments:
Wow, this is enormous for both of you. I'm proud of you for letting go so easily. You're a model for her.
And how exciting - eat, sleep, swim. I can't think of a better way to live.
Will you move to So. Cal soon? Colorado Springs? ;)
I remember very clearly being faced with this choice. It wasn't verbally posed to me (as it usually isn't to most disabled athletes) but I came to realize that I couldn't take the risk of injury in SO many other activities if I wanted to excel in swimming...For me though, this decision came in college. I'd already had the chance to play and experiment with so much that I don't regret it. I don't know if that would be the same had I needed to make the choice at an earlier age. It's SO difficult because it really is a commonality among athletes that make it to the top..there are just so few-is it worth the sacrifice? Whatever your/her decision, keep a watchful eye on her desires. I think the need to ONLY swim, sleep, eat helped me set records and swim for Team USA but it also led to my retirement. I will always miss swimming competitively but I got tired of missing so many other parts of life.
man... I thought this was already happening, if this is what she really wants... more power to her. the fact that you are willing to do all you do for her is awesome and even if she doesn't appreciate it now... one day she will totally see it ;)
Good for you for taking care of yourself!
Go, go mini Topsurf. I couldn't imagine having to give up activities I enjoy, time with friends and social activities at her age. She's making a huge sacrifice and I'm in awe of her determination and drive
Win or lose in the pool, you've definitely raised a winner in life!
I loved this post and will only add one of my favorite Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes for BOTH of you:
Concentration is the secret of strength.
Good for you! I hope this makes things a little easier for you! Good luck to miniSurf. Her dedication to her sport is inspiring! ((HUGS))
How did she react to the talk with her coach? Does she feel rededicated or frustrated? I cannot imagine being faced with something like that at her age. I was just a lazy kid who would have taken the path of least resistance.
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