John David has been swimming on some sort of swim team since he was five years old…the majority of his life. On Saturday, January 25th, he competed in his last High School Championship meet.
I said some of this on Instagram that night but….as I walked away I felt like crying (like crawl into the fetal position cry) and cheering (because JOY) all at the same time. It has been a joy to watch this boy do something he loves. This past year and a half he has not loved swimming in quite the same way as he has in previous years. His eyes were opened to the amazing sport of water polo, and well.. he is hooked. He made the decision to step away from competitive swim while continuing to swim for his high school team only.
That Saturday evening, John David pushed himself to the limit as usual. And no, he did not place 1st. However, he did place 2nd and 3rd in his two races. Whoop whoop! My fear for him?….to have regret regarding his decision if he did not place as well as he hoped.
As he shook his friends’ hands after each race there was no evidence of regret in his demeanor…only a heaving chest and look of contentment on his face. He swam his heart out and was happy with the outcome.
I felt pure JOY for my son as I watched him. He completed a chapter in his life that was different from what he thought he wanted as a freshman. He made a decision that was best for him and did not look back with regret. He savored the moment knowing he did his absolute best.
A bit of background…John David and I had endless conversations about what we place our identity in. Is my identity in Christ or is it in swimming, my grades, my friends?? Competitive swimming can be cutthroat, LIFE can be cutthroat. We talked all around this subject as I drove him to and from school and practices. I’d like to think he may have listened haha…truthfully he may have heard 30 seconds of my blah blah blah. We have not talked about it much lately since I no longer drive him to school and practices.
Yet as I watched him swim his last High School meet, full of confidence, I saw my boy looking quite grown up. It is a joy to see him finish a chapter of his life. And finish it well.
Some last pics of my Senior…
See the first 3 swimmers on the blocks?
The same kids on the right side of this picture :). I know we all say this but time sure does flies by!
John David returned home yesterday afternoon after his LAST swim practice ever. He admitted it made him a bit sad as he has loved this sport for a long time.
He left this morning with his team for State finals. It truly is happening ha! I’ll update when this very last meet is over…. and I’m trying not to cry :).
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