Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Swim Moms: Desperately Seeking Shade

Years ago a lady told me that the friends I made in adulthood would largely be determined by the activities of my children. 


She was absolutely right. 

This summer, I have sat pool side with these three ladies at least twice a week (often more, with 4 practices and occasionally two meets a week!). So on average, 5-7 hours a week of togetherness!

This is not a glamourous sport. Swim practice for our swimmers starts at 8:30 in the morning, which means that on nearly every occasion, one of us hasn't showered, or is running late, or has forgotten a towel, sunscreen or goggles. 

We have seen each other sweat; we've talked about life; and cheered each others kids on in the pool. We've shared snack, sand toys, recipes, and they have shared their Quick Shades (which in Arizona is like calling you "family").

We have each others backs. 

My kids have participated in several different "sports" venues. From ballet to karate. Soccer to Basketball, but swimming has been the most social. 

Next week swimming season will wrap up. I'm a little sad. I'm gonna miss these gals. I'm gonna miss laughing, and talking, and just hanging out. 

J: You are an encouragement to me. Even though your hubby is stationed far away, you NEVER complain. You are positive and upbeat. That spurs me on to be grateful for what I do have, instead of what I don't.

D: You are always smiling and laid back, even when chasing three kiddos, and balancing all the paraphernalia. You rarely seem to get your feathers ruffled. That encourages me to me more flexible; to be more gracious.

S: This season has been hard on you as you encourage your child with medical problem. Seizures are scary and so very unpredictable. Yet, instead of letting that hinder you (and him), you have chosen courage; knowing that living life in fear isn't really living at all.

Swim Mom's, thank you for making the season so incredibly fun. Thanks for sharing your shade, and sharing a tiny bit of your life. 

I couldn't have done it without ya!

La Vida Dulce!


8 comments:

Lindsay said...

That is so great to have such wonderful friends to hang out with and chat with while you kids participate in a sport.. I look forward to when Sammy is old to be involved in activities where I can watch from the sidelines!

I swam for about 10 years and loved it and made such great friends through the summers!

Carrie and Jim said...

What a great way to make friends. It's nice to relate to other moms which are probably going through the same life stages as you.

Anonymous said...

Aw, you make me want to enroll my kids in swim class; the moms at gymnastics aren't all that social. Sitting in the AC they all spend time on their laptops and cell phones.

Enjoy your last week with the ladies!

Beth Cotell said...

What a great post!

It's so important to find good friends during this stage of our lives.

Perhaps you should consider lots of summer playdates to keep the fun and friendship going!

Lisa said...

Lovely post! It does feel so nice to be able to relate to friends...helps you feel normal.;-)

Jackie said...

Cute picture! Now I know I have some socializing to look forward to when Savannah gets older and I'm running her around to different things.

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

I've found this to be so true, Kellie. My friends these days are the parents of my kids' friends, and I love how God has surprised me with friendship in this way.

What a sweet post. Makes me wanna hang out with you during swim practice too.

Anonymous said...

Summer has been some great fun hasn't it;) You forget we couldn't have done it without you either. I have been truly blessed with your friendship these past couple 'swim seasons'. You are honest and grounded in Christ which I find invaluable. I pray for you and your family in the months to come and our friendship and the distance it will need to endure. Stay strong and beautiful! I will truly miss you.