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Courtesy of Jodi Falbaum, a swim parent for 7 years, volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Marlins and a board member of Willowbrook Swim & Tennis Club, both in Mount Kisco, New York.
It’s the morning after a time trial, and my house is very quiet. I woke up so very proud of my 13 year old son. It’s not because he hit his goal time. He didn’t. It’s not because he is the fastest of his friends. He isn’t. It’s because the sport of swimming has taught him the following :
1. We are in this together. After two disappointing swims he stuck around to support his friend in his final swim. These boys train together five times a week. Their connections are real.
2. Tomorrow will come, and there will be other races. Move on. His younger self might have cried, yelled, or stomped away in disappointment. He was a second and a half from his goal. He dropped time, but it wasn’t enough. I saw the frustration in his face, but he dug deep and dealt with it.
3. Go talk to the coach. He did. He didn’t come find me. He knew where I would be. I frequently work on deck as a runner. In this age of helicopter parenting, he knew his coaches would have feedback for him. It was his job to seek it out, not mine. My job was to get him to the pool. The rest was in his very capable hands.
My son has come along way from the days of summer swim team when he was handed a plastic spoon at age 6 with a “1” and told to head over to the ribbon table for his award. He is passionate about the sport, and we support him with all our heart. He may make Jr. Nationals someday or not. I am confident in one thing. He is learning life skills that will help him in whatever he pursues.
When the day comes and he hangs up his goggles and fins and puts on sport coat for work he will have the confidence to ask the tough questions, reassess after a project or product design failed, and the persistence not to give up.
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Loved your posting, Jodi!
Loved your comment Jodi!