Oh to Be Five!

Gavin had his first and only swim meet of the season today. He probably would have competed before this if we had let him, but man have you ever been to one? They last FOREVER! Seriously, a swim meet that starts at 6 pm with the swimmers there at 4:30 pm. Some racing 5-6 different races that last until 9:30 pm is, in my opinion, a little much for a 5 year old who frequently still naps or if not goes to bed and is sound asleep by 7 pm!

This meet was in the morning during his scheduled swim team time. Shannon got to stay for a few rounds. I got a headache from the stress of just thinking about him competing. I asked him how he felt, and his non-nonchalant answer told me what I expected.  He has no fear. He has such a strong and brave demeanor and he takes change and challenge and pressure with ease.  I look at him and think, 'Man if I was just an ounce capable of taking on this relaxed position to life, how much more joy and stillness I'd have in my life. Oh to be five!' Once again, I looked at my little boy and realized how much more he teaches me, it seems, than I teach him.

His first race he swam freestyle and was supposed to swim breast stroke. Not being a swimmer myself I have no idea what that means for his placing in the race. His second race was freestyle and he had to swim one way and all the way back! That's a long ways even for someone like me, a horrible swimmer! This stroke is the one he always does at the pool and is very quick at. He swam and made 2nd place! You could tell he was tired after he got out. His shoulders slumped forward across the pool and I couldn't see his face, but I knew which one he was making, with his eyes all unfocused and his tongue hanging out. The third race he swam back stroke and this being one of the hardest strokes he only just learned he made 4th place out of five. His last was breast stroke and he made last place out of two.

I think my little man will be on swim team next year. He really enjoyed it! I'm glad he's had all of this experience. What a blessing!