This parenting thing is hard. I mean really, really hard. Sure the day to day of parenting can get to you at times...so strange that the very people who you jump out of bed for each day, are also the ones who make you ready to jump right back in each night. : ) But I'm not talking about being worn out. I'm talking about the nitty gritty of parenting...the scary part, the nerve wracking part, the part you want to do perfectly but somehow know that perfection is impossible.
Jason and I had just a touch of the down and dirty this week. Jack is at the exciting age of organized sports. He has played soccer for a couple of seasons and just recently finished his first round of tball. And all in all, I think we've done a good job parenting him through these new experiences. He hasn't been the strongest or most serious of players, but he has made new friends and had a good time. We have also kept things light (he is 5 after all)...concentrating on him trying his best and cheering for his team.
Well last week at the boys' swim lessons, I had a small epiphany...SWIM TEAM! He is, after all, swimming like a champ and his teacher did mention the words "natural talent" soooo of course...swim team it is! I ran it by Jason (an ol' swim teamer himself) and he said not just yes, but YES! We were excited and already picturing him in his cute lil' speedo. I spent the night researching teams, requirements, etc and received a call back from the Southbelt Sharks. Sharks? He loves sharks! We set up a "real" tryout for Monday at 5:00.
I was pumped. Jason was pumped. Jack was pumped about being on a "team" with a "Sharks" name. All was well.
Monday at 5, the kiddos and I arrived at the pool. A teenage boy offered to try him out. No biggie. I watched from the sidelines as Jack slowly, but surely lowered himself into the water. And when I mean slowly, I mean slowly. I could tell the water was cold and Jack confirmed this when he turned to me and mouthed the word "c-o-l-d". I then watched as Jack, our champion swimmer, dog paddled his way down the lane. I saw the "coach" shake his head no as they headed back to give it one more try. I walked over to give Jack some encouragement AND encourage him to actually put his head in the water. He adamantly refused stating it was too "c-o-l-d". And so it went.
I have to admit it, I was really disappointed. I was disappointed and frustrated that he didn't swim the way I know that he can. I voiced as much to Jack on the way home and he tearfully explained to me that he did try his best, but it was just too cold. He then sweetly reminded me that he is only used to warm or even hot water. : ) About that time, I received a text from my dad. He was asking me about something trivial to which I responded with a morose
and simple "He didn't make it." A few minutes later, I received his response...a lighthearted
and simple "Next year." Of course. Two little words and I was talked off the "crazy parent" ledge. Of course, there was next year. Or the year after that. Or maybe there won't be swim team. Maybe there will be tennis or karate or baseball. Maybe there will just be some of that elusive down time. Whoa, wouldn't that be something? Either way, it's going to be just fine. Jack is going to be just fine. Bear is going to be just fine. Kate is going to be just fine. And even though this parenting thing is hard, scary, and impossible to do perfectly...there
are all of those "just perfect" moments. And I heard if you string all those together, you'll get to exactly where you need to be...: )
