It’s been exactly 30 years since I swam my last swim meet. 30. And why did I show up today on a Sunday morning in March to swim events that I used to swim when I was 8? (100 free, 100 IM, 50 breast, 50 free, and relays.)
Because being on a team matters.
Because cheering for people in life makes you go outside yourself.
Because apparently I was able to encourage someone who needed it today.
Because counting for the 500 for someone was important and getting sis led in the middle of it brought me joy.
Because there was an 84 year old that decided to swim for her first time ever in a swim meet today and it mattered that she had people to rally her.
Because there was a person that I met today who swam for the first time ever since having her leg amputated. That. That’s courage. And when we look around and let go of our own struggles and fears (that are real…for sure). We see others that are just like us. Facing their fears and getting back in the pool even when they have limitations they never had before. And they need to figure out how to balance on the blocks and do a breaststroke kick with one leg. And get up at 4am to have enough time to go to morning swim practice before they start the rest of their day.
These people unite us. They remind us that it isn’t about being the fastest. It’s about being the bravest and the kindest.
And I hope 30 years later I’m a whole lot more of both of those.
No comments:
Post a Comment