Monday, December 3, 2012

A Tough One

Thanks so much for all your wonderful well wishes My boy had a very hard weekend.  There is a science to swimming that I don't quite understand.  You train really hard, then you ease up right before a big meet. This is called tapering and it is not the same for every swimmer.  When it hits correctly you are lightning fast, when it doesn't you are slow as molasses, and there is nothing you can do about it.  You can swim your heart out, and yet people are passing you by.  So Mr. 19 year old had one of those weekends.  When kids he was beating by a landslide before began passing him by it was frustrating.  Well more than frustrating.....  So as hard as it is to see your son struggle, I am so glad we could be there to help him through this rough patch.  I have never seen him quite so despondent about his performance.  After Saturday mornings session he was ready to throw in the towel.  But soon after talking, and some intense Mother love, he began to move through this and that is all you can ask.  Take a deep breath and move on.  There will be more meets, there is another chance, keep your focus, have fun and move on.  It is easy to be with someone when they are doing great, but it is more important to be with someone when they aren't, that is when they need you the most.  So onto a new week, more work for which I am thankful and shopping for Christmas, it is coming up way too fast for my liking.


Max is exhausted from worrying about his parents and entertaining his Aunt's.  He needs a vacation.
Have a wonderful week.

20 comments:

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Oh Meredith, You are so right it is a wonderful thing that you could be there! He needed you the most and you were there. He will remember that and grow from your words. Good job MOM!
Yes, Christmas is coming fast and I am doing well because of my job situation. One bonus!
Poor Max, he will need some extra hugs too❤
xoRobin❤

Kris said...

Oh dear....I was not expecting to hear this. I have three kids who were all involved in athletics. My son had the most ups and downs with his game. You are absolutely right though Meredith, as far as the advice you gave. I am so glad you could be there for him. More meets, and more chances will come. Winners, must also lose, in order to win.
Hugs,
Kris

Lillie and Moss said...

You are a awesome mother! Words of encouragement will keep him focus and will achieve his goals! Having a giveaway....stop by before it's over!
xoxo
Shari

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Mr 19 year old is so lucky to have such a wonderful Mother like you. :)

You know, if there were never darkness and adversity, then we'd never appreciate the light and good times. I just know he'll knock their socks off the next swim meet.

So glad he had you there...sometimes, when things are bad, you just need your Mom. He'll be ok, because he has you. :)

Blessings and hugs...and please hug Max, he looks so blue.

Claudia said...

Oh, poor Dave. I'm so sorry about that. Thank goodness he had his parents there to help him through it. And I bet the coach will have some words of wisdom, too.

xo
Claudia

Babajeza said...

Ups and downs. Life isn't always bright. So good you could help him. Isn't it the hardes for us to see our children suffer? I'd rather be unwell myself.
Anyway, you son will do better next time. Always stay positive. :-)

Hugs, Regula

Mrs. Micawber said...

How very disappointing for him, and after all the hard training too. As Calvin's dad would say, "It builds character," - but character-building is never fun. Someday he'll be glad he picked up and kept going.

Hugs to all of you, Max included!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

That happens sometimes but he will do better the next time. That's what competition is all about. I have been doing some heavy duty mother whispering to my youngest son since he is going through some personal problems right now. Some days I am exhausted from trying to say the "right thing". I know he is listening and that's what counts. Hope you enjoyed your weekend up here!~Hugs, Patti

Petunia Pill said...

A Mother's love...there's nothing more unconditional. You are such a wonderful being - so understanding, so wise, so compassionate. He is so blessed with you - as you are with him. I love your words about how easy it is to be with someone when everything is going well - but even more important to be there when it's not. Hugs, Annette

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry your son had a tough swim meet. It will make him stronger though ... we moms know that.

Running has the same idea --- you slack off just a bit before your big race in hopes you have that little bit of energy stored for the race. sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't.

Between Me and You said...

So very sorry your boy felt that disappointment - there's nothing worse than their confidence taking a bashing like that but you did all the right things as the very good parents that you both so obviously are - my Mother used to say to me on these occasions, you can't do better than your best for them and it's so very true.Onwards and upwards my friend. x
ps sending snowy hugs to Max - it's freezing over here!

Sentimentally Me said...

Ohhhhh my. Thinking of you and your swimmer-boy today. So hard, isn't it?? Especially with him being away, we worry and wonder. . .

Sending a big hug to you
(and one to Max because he's just so darn adorable!)

xxoxo P

kathy b said...

Meredith...getting them through the rough patches is so rewarding in time when you look back. Im so glad you were there for him this weekend. He will always remember you for the support.

Teresa Kasner said...

Sometimes you have to be the cheerleader for your kids. You are such an amazing mom! My boys did soccer, but weren't super athletes. I feel like Max, kind of tired and need a vacation. :-)
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Taci simmons said...

Hi Meredith, it was still wonderful that you had this time with your son and as they say it is in the hard times that we grow the most. Hope his next meet is a better one and that you now have some time to start your Christmas preparations.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

It's good you were there to see him through. I was on the swim team in high school and actually quit because I hated doing the turns under water. Some days are better than others -- and that goes for life in general, not just the swim meets. :) Best wishes, Tammy

Susanne Tyree said...

When it is all said and done, the most important part was that the people who love him the most, win or lose, was there to add moral support and boost his confidence. It isn't always about the winning, but showing the effort and stamina to stick it through the whole meet. When we lose, it just makes winning that much sweeter and gives us a reason to keep trying.
(((HUGS))) Susanne

Gracie Saylor said...

I am especially glad that you were willing and able to be there for your son, Meredith. Extra hugs for you and yours [including Max :)] xxxxxx from Gracie

Lap Dog Knits said...

rest up...the weekend's here!!!!
does your son know what a great mom he has???

most certainly:-)

Liz said...

Meredith,

You are a great mother to be there to encourage your son. It seems like everything is so hard sometimes. Your support will be most remembered no matter how things turn out. I hope you have a peaceful week,
Liz