04/21/2016
Dear swimmer: it is not easy, I know.
Commitment is not easy at any age, but you need it. Pushing your body to failure is not easy. Saying no to those who do not understand is not easy. Believing in the process is not easy. Long past your days chasing the black line, you will find that swimming has served you well. There is a reason it is not easy. Be proud you are a swimmer.
Dear swim parent: it is not easy, I know.
Commitment is not easy at any age, but your swimmer needs you. Driving to practice is not easy. It is not easy to watch your swimmer give everything and come up short. Trust in the process swimming is more than a sport. Be proud, you are swim parent.
Dear swim official: it is not easy, I know.
Commitment is not easy at any age, but you understand this. Lost weekends, aching legs, it is not easy. Screaming coaches, swimmers eyes filled with tears it is not easy, but it is necessary. Without those in white we have no sport. Be proud you are a part of each swimmer, coach and parent.
Dear swim coach: I know it is not easy.
Commitment is not easy at any age, I Know. Wet feet, weary eyes, early mornings, late evenings, family gatherings happening without you. I know it is not easy, but you are the soul of this great sport. Stand by the sport and the swimmers in your pool. It is not easy but it is who you are, and what you choose. Be proud they call you coach.
Dear swimming: it has been easy.
Commitment has been stamped in my DNA because of you. You showed me a path long and deep. We shared space in the water and on the deck. Every minute of every hour of every day has been worth it. You have been my constant, my mentor and my friend.
I am proud to have taken this journey with you.
Saying goodbye is not easy.