If At First....

We're back from our 4th of July Vacation and all is well.  We had a wonderful time with family who are also our friends and feel encouraged by their company.  Now, we are busy!!  The children started swim lessons Monday and Maggie immediately noticed the Cats swim team practicing in the lanes.  She asked one of the coaches what she would have to do to be part of the team and was told she must swim freestyle the length of the pool and backstroke back.  She asked if she might try it and was encouraged to jump in.

She didn't make it.  She almost made it, but didn't.  She had to hang on to the side and breath a bit before continuing her freestyle.  She did the backstroke beautifully but it wasn't enough.  No go.  She was told that she could try again anytime.  I was heartbroken.  She'd wanted this so badly.  And she'd looked so tiny in that huge pool.  It takes my breath away how tiny she is sometimes.  But anyway...

So, Maggie went back to her swim class and asked her teacher to specifically work with her on breathing.  She did.  Ten minutes later, Maggie went back to the swim team coach and asked to try again.  The coach was surprised but willing.  Maggie jumped in and began to swim.  She didn't make it.  She almost made it, but didn't.  I was ready to hold her...thinking about what cookies we might need to bake that afternoon to heal the wounds.  But she didn't come to me...she went straight back to her swim class.

Ten minutes later, she was back at the swim coach.  This time, the coach was smiling and cheered her on.  Maggie jumped in and swam the freestyle the entire length of the pool and then backstroked back without stopping.  I had sorely underestimated my daughter.  She has more tenacity, perseverance, and umph than I ever did!  She was like the Energizer Bunny!  (only not annoying)!

The swim coach told her she hadn't officially made the team but if she'd work on her breathing she'd soon make it.  Maggie went straight back over to her swim class and this time the teacher was ready to give her tips and encouragement in meeting her goal.  She worked hard until the end of class.

The next day, Maggie watched longingly as the girls on the swim team swam their laps.  She went to her class and did her breathing exercises and whatever else her teacher had her do.  During the last ten minutes of class she asked if she could swim with the swim team and was told yes (this is a very encouraging group!).  As the practice came to an end, the swim coach told her she could practice with the swim team the next day if she wanted.  She wanted!

The third day, Maggie swam laps, did different exercises and jumped off the block (perhaps not as gracefully as she'd hoped).  She kept up with the other girls and had a blast.  At the end of practice, the coach said, "Great job, Maggie.  Welcome to the team.  Our first meet is Friday."

If she had given up after that first try, she never would've known her potential.  Even trying a second time was met with failure.  Even a third time, though gaining encouragement, did not meet with immediate results.  But she didn't give up.  She kept trying and trying and trying.  Between tries, she worked toward success.  She completely blew me away.  She would NOT give up!  She wanted on the team and she GOT on the team!

I am so proud of her.  She has taught me much in her 10 years of life.  I imagine there's more to come.