Ten years ago this guy started swimming year round. Before that he swam in the summer, played baseball and soccer and even did a stint with roller hockey. When he turned 11 he dropped the rest of those sports and concentrated on triathlons and swimming. Soon his coach told him he had to pick one, he was good at both, but to be really good he had to pick one and concentrate on that sport. He choose to swim, and although the path he chose has not been an easy one, he is still at it. Tomorrow we fly out to Iowa City to watch Mr. 21 in the Big Ten Swim Meet. I am so excited and nervous I can't even tell you. This is the biggest meet of his life so far. Hopefully there will be more. Can you keep your fingers crossed that all goes well? And if you have a spare prayer or positive thought can you send it his way? I know all the young men participating deserve the best, but I know what swimming has done to, and done for, this really great young man of mine. He deserves the best. And if you have another spare prayer could you send it my way so that I don't make myself sick with nerves and anxiety about his swims?
This is my favorite swim picture of my son. He was a senior in high school in this picture. His face has matured as has his body, but you get an idea of how amazing swimming can be. Go Mr 21! I am rooting for you!
How wonderfully exciting! Sending prayers & positive thoughts and good wishes your way. Safe & happy travels and try to just keep breathing and enjoy every moment. And tell us all about it when you get back!
ReplyDeleteHugs xx
How exciting, I really hope it all goes well for him. I can imagine how nervous you will be, I'm sending you a big cyber hug. I know how hard he has worked for this, and for how many years. I'm sending him lots of good energy. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteSending well wishes and prayers for a good swim meet-and do enjoy all of it Meredith-you deserve it too-hugs
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you all for getting this far, there is soooo much pressure on young athletes these days, he must be a very special person.
ReplyDeleteI am sure he knows how much you love him and are already so proud of him and all his effort, sacrifice and commitment to even get this far, no matter what the result of this meet.
I hope he has a great swim and enjoys the excitement of being part of it all.
I wll be thinking of you all and sending good wishes .
I love that photo too! The water splashing shows just how much effort is put into those strokes. I'm guessing he was doing butterfly?
ReplyDeleteI won't wish Mr. 21 good luck.....he's trained well. He's ready for this! We always tell Alexa (our gymnast friend) --- "do what you do!"
And that is what I will send out to Mr. 21 --- You go! DO WHAT YOU DO!
Take your knitting, take a breath and enjoy the competition. I'll be waiting to hear how he did.
Happy travels!
Of course, I will pray for Mr. 21. I fear that Mom's nerves will continue until the end of the meet. Never could let go enough to keep my nerves down when I was excited about something good for my children. I still remember the feeling & it has been 11 years since I last had a Mr.21. God bless and safe journey.
ReplyDeleteI do wish him the very best, these young ones work so hard. Your boy is so similar in age to my boy, your heart goes out to them. Take what calms you, Tea and Crochet.
ReplyDeleteXXX OOO
Exciting indeed, Meredith!!! I pray that you and yours will have safe and healthy days and make many good memories before, during and after the
ReplyDeleteBig Ten Meet! xx
Good GOOD luck to Mr. 21! and to you! and to all the Buckeyes! Been keeping my eye on all of the results online. Sending lots of positive winning thoughts your way.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Beth
This is so exciting! My oldest did some competitive swimming so I get how hard it is. So proud of Mr 21. I've got fingers crossed and prayers being said for him and you. Can't wait to hear the results, but to participate is an achievement in itself!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
Go Mr 21!! Keep calm and try not to hyperventilate Mom and Dad!!!!
ReplyDeleteWishing all of you a wonderful meet! Hope your son beats his personal best, and that you, Mere, enjoy every moment. How special that you can be there! Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteYou've got my support for the both of you! I will be sending good mojo your way for the big meet. Be sure and take some new photos to share with us! I'm at the beach.. plan to have lots of fun tomorrow.
ReplyDelete((hugs)), Teresa :-)
GOOD LUCK to him friend!! Keep us posted! Such a committed kid! You should be very proud!!! Nicole xo
ReplyDeleteCrossing everything I can possibly cross! For your son and you. Look at the cute picture of him at 10 years of age. What a difference between the two pictures! Congratuations to for getting this far. I know that he had to be really dedicated!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and prayers for your son. May God give him the strength, courage and happiness to enjoy and win the challenge:)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Sending positive thoughts and prayers ...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Gaia.
Wow, this is rad! All the best wishes to Mr 21, hope it all goes well for him! xx
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for you all! All my fingers & toes will be crossed and lots of positive prayers & thoughts are on their way. Hope it all goes wonderfully well xx
ReplyDeleteCheering all the way!! Go Mr. 21! blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to Mr. 21 for a win at the Big 10! Will be thinking of you and looking forward to hearing the results of the swim meet. Heather
ReplyDeleteMeredith, you know you have my prayers and so does "Mr. 21". This is such an exciting time for him and for you. I also pray that your trip will be a smooth one and that you will have a wonderful time together. So exciting!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
That's so exciting. Best wishes and I know you both will do great. Just have fun and take lots of photos.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Send my best wishes for a massively successful meet!!! What a cutie pie we won't tell him that... :D I have always had trouble just picking one thing to focus on but now that I am sixty (eeek!) I see more clearly the reasons for focusing on one thing. Not that I am capable of doing that but I better understand :D
ReplyDeleteHugs and safe and successful trip,
Beth (I'll be cheering right along with you!)
Oh yes, sending prayers and special thoughts your way. How exciting for you and your family. If you are a bundle of nerves, how must your boy be feeling..enjoy this journey. Many blessings,
ReplyDeleteJust said a prayer that he wins. I don't usually pray for outcomes..I let God work on that...but THIS time for YOU I prayed for the best outcome we earthlings can image.....WINNINGS
ReplyDeleteSending lots of positive and calming thoughts your way Meredith. What a proud moment this must be as the mom of this amazing young man. Remember to take your knitting to keep you calm, and to breathe.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Mr 21 year old I know he is going to be great!! xx
ReplyDeleteI am with Kristie, take your knitting or your hooks, keeping fingers busy stops the mind from worrying. Works for me and I hope it works for you, too. Good luck to Mr 21! What an exiting weekend. Cxx
ReplyDeleteThat is very very cool!! My oldest did swim for a couple of years, and I loved it...but he didn't :( . Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you both. I am sending a lot of good luck! You're both going to be just fine Mere. You know why? Because you can look back at those last 10 years of an exceptional and hard working man and Mom. No matter what, you've already won. But yeah, I feel a good swim coming. Fingers crossed and lots of hugs. Drink some gingerale ;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck to your boy!!!! Have fun at the meet Meredith. I bet you are more nervous than he is. Bring kleenex, you know you're going to need it :)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to see how far he has come! Love both of the pictures. Definitely sending prayers your way!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Mr 21!! I hope that it goes really well!! xx
ReplyDeleteSending prayers and a hug for you.
ReplyDeletexx oo
Carla
GO, Go, Go Mr. 21!!
All prayers and positive wishes are headed your way Mr.21!!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels,xoRobin
(still on vacation of a lifetime)
Praying Mr 21 for the best race results ever. I am glad you are happy and you will be fine, mom! Have a good trip!
ReplyDeleteGo, Go, Go from this side of the pond too. Jo x
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrilling time -- and nerve-wracking, too. I can't wait to hear how it went, but he's already a winner!
ReplyDeleteYou must be so proud! Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Congratulations Meredith!!!
ReplyDeletethe wait is always long, but I'm sure that he will do well! Swimming is the BEST sport for any young person!! No helmet or pads, not having people tackle you or slam into you. Every muscle in the body is being used, but not stressed by beating on the pavement!! Your son is a winner in so many ways!!!
Oh my toes are curling up with excitement for you!!! lol It's the best feeling when our children go for it. Best wishes always.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Anita.
How exciting! Hope it went really well :)
ReplyDeleteI think I must be commenting after the event. I do hope all went well and your nerves aren't remotely shredded x
ReplyDeleteI hope your son did well at the swim meet! Fay.x
ReplyDelete