One Brave and Amazing Teenager

                         Bold and Beautiful

Most people who know me know I don't like to swim and I'm not crazy about the water. I witnessed my sister's boyfriend drown when I was 15 but that's not when I stopped swimming. 

I don't like swimming like someone else may not like running. This dislike of mine was passed on to my daughter and then my grandchildren.

Each time my grandchildren, Mackenzie and AJ, would attempt to take swimming lessons it just didn't work out for them.

I would always find my grandchildren playing in the shallow end of the pool. I wanted them to learn how to swim. I thought my daughter should have pushed them more. She said one day "mom, you raised your children like you wanted. These are my kids and it's my turn to do it the way I believe is right." Point taken!

So I decided I'd have to look at it as: No big deal. Not my issue. No one asked for my opinion (although it was killing me on the inside;)

A couple of years ago, Kenzie's brithday party was held at the indoor pool. Later I asked about her party and she said, "I didn't have fun, all my friends were in the deep end of the pool. At least one of them could have stayed with me."

This was a turning point for Mackenzie. She made up her mind, she was going to learn how to swim, nothing was going to stop her. Her  mom and dad were both working full time and were unable to take her back and forth to swim lessons that summer.

We were moving to Arizona that September and my husband and I were spending our summer packing, planning, and bringing closure to that period of our lives.

Because they lived three hours away, I decided with my daugher's permission to have Kenzie and AJ stay with us for two weeks. I signed them up for swimming lessons in the morning and art lessons in the afternoon. They called it "Nana's Bootcamp."

I couldn't leave Michigan (home of the Great Lakes) without them learning to swim. It just didn't make sense. The first day they discovered they were the oldest in the class at 13 and 10. Everyone else was five and under.

Mackenzie was eager to begin. She did everything required from the first moment on. AJ not so much. After the first week AJ was still refusing to put his face in the water.

At dinner they would tell "Pops" all about their day in the pool. One evening Roger said to Mackenzie, "Kenz you were ready. You were hungry to learn." She responded, "Pops I wasn't hungry I was starving!"

They weren't crazy about their art lessons which surprised me. I bargained with AJ, if he kept his head under water the second week they could skip the last two days of art. It was a done deal.

We had a wonderful two weeks and celebrated with dinner and ice cream at their favorite restaurant. They went home proud, tired and happy.

Flash forward one year later. My daughter decided Mackenzie needed more structure and discipline in her life. When you're a Freshman in high school, you need a place to belong. My daughter had her join the swim team.

She hated it. Swimming requires practicing 4 hours a day.  Two days a week she had swim meets and wouldn't arrive home until 10pm. Practice on Saturdays, if there isn't a meet, and Sundays make-up practice for anyone who was absent.

Practice caused her to be overwhelmed, exhausted, in pain, and frightened not knowing what to expect at a meet. A mother of a senior swimmer warned my daughter she would hate it and cry every day for three weeks. Then it would end.

She cried for daily for three weeks. She begged for permission to quit. AJ called my daughter at work one day and asked, "Mom why are you making Kenz do this? I can't stand to see her cry. Can't she just quit." The answer…no!

What was amazing was to witness her transformation from swim classes with small children to participating on a high school swim! 

It was amazing to see her deal with the anxiety the first time she was required to swim the 500 knowing if you stopped during an event you are disqualified.

At her swim banquet last year, she received her varsity letter! Not bad for a Freshman.

It was nothing short of a miracle in my opinion. She was amazed and very proud of her accomplishments and muscular body.

Flash Forward to three weeks ago. Ending her 2nd year of swimming,  Mackenzie won 1st place in the 200 freestyle and 1st place in the backstroke at her district swim meet!  

Last night Mackenzie and her parents attended her swim banquet. She was one of five swimmers to receive a scholar/swim award. She'll wear it proudly on the sleeve of her varsity jacket.

In December Mackenzie will take the training required to become a life guard. She wants to work at the pool this summer.

A seed was planted at that birthday party nearly three years ago.  Mackenzie was not hungry for "success" but in her own words, "starving."

The photo was taken last July when Mackenzie visited. In the background is a watercolor my friend painted when she was four years old.

The lessons she's learned participating on the swim team are lessons for a life time. She has grown her wings and has learned to fly. It's been a beautiful thing to watch her transform.

What did participating in a high school sport teach you?
Is there something you've wanted to give up on lately?

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Jay Schryer November 13, 2009, 3:46 pm

    What a cool story! Thanks for sharing it. Congratulations Mackenzie!
    .-= Jay Schryer´s last post…It’s A Kind of Magic =-.

  • Lori November 13, 2009, 4:25 pm

    Wow, Tess, I can’t imagine how awful it was to actually witness someone drowning. I’m really sorry.

    I’d like to extend my hand in congratulating Mackenzie! I LOVE swimming and it will be something she’ll have in her back pocket her entire life. In fact, swimming is something I can still do (in limited spurts) and it has been a real life saver.

    Hats off to both of you and thanks for sharing!
    *HUGS*
    .-= Lori´s last post…Update No.2: My Writing Experiment =-.

  • Wilma Ham November 13, 2009, 5:06 pm

    Hi Tess.
    In Holland there was no room for doing sport. We had one hour per week in a hall and that was it. I noticed , that because of that, I am not very good at doing physical things but I am learning that now and it is fun. It showed me though that even learning how to use your body with confidence and ease is via experience and practice. The famous benefits of doing, again!
    Lovely how you could do that for your grandchild, that is such a wonderful contribution. I guess your grandson will end up like a Picasso against all odds; you never ever know what seeds you plant, do you?!

    What I have wanted to give up over the last few years is doing things differently. It takes a lot of doing and practice and sticking to it, to get the experience and then the confidence to make life happen as a queen.
    Sometimes the responsibility get to me and I think what the heck, it is just too hard, why bother, just let me do things again in the old fashioned out of integrity and hierarchical way and leave me alone!
    But luckily I too am starving, starving for another world, so I get over it most of the time with the help of my buddy Ann-Marie and my blogging friends like yours truly and all the others of which some are here as well.

    Seeing what happened to Mackenzie , should you not give swimming another go? 🙂
    .-= Wilma Ham´s last post…Ann-Marie on Answering questions truthfully =-.

  • Lance November 13, 2009, 5:54 pm

    Tess,
    Woohoo!! Awesome work and commitment by Mackenzie! She did great, and it just show what sticking with it can do!

    I can relate…I’m not good at swimming. If I’m going to compete in triathlons, though, I better be able to do it. So that means late nights at the pool, when I might not necessarily want to be there. When I did this last spring, I found a nice quiet pool to use – and want a great time also for some mental clarity. It was like a little bonus that I got along with the swim!
    .-= Lance´s last post…How to Make a Difference Without a Whole Lot of Money =-.

  • Ochuko November 13, 2009, 10:47 pm

    Some very key lessons learnt here: -starving and craving; -firmness; -determination; -decision; -hardwork (with some tears)… and at the end of it all, joy cometh… the success was in the journey!
    Thanks for sharing
    .-= Ochuko´s last post…The Cute Book… =-.

  • Patty - Why Not Start Now? November 13, 2009, 11:23 pm

    Hi Tess – Great story. Congratulations to your grand daughter. The part about “you’ll hate it and cry every day for three weeks” really hit me. I have a tendency to want to stop some things too soon, but clearly if you stick with them past a certain point they do get easier. Maybe they even become a sparkling moment in your life. I’m reminded of a past job. Every week, in the beginning, I told myself this would be my last week. I could not imagine persevering through the learning curve. Much to my surprise, I stayed seven years, and not only did it turn out to be the best job I ever had, but it was a springboard to so many other pivotal experiences in my life. Just goes to show that you can never tell how something will work out.
    .-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last post…False Evidence Appearing Real: The Movie =-.

  • Stacey Shipman November 14, 2009, 9:35 am

    Great story – one that so many people, I’m sure can relate to! Congrats to Mackenzie for her great swimming accomplishments. 🙂

    I didn’t do sports, I was in the marching band. Colorguard to be exact. And it taught me that I’m really confident in my body, I have good mind/body connection and awareness (to successfully walk and twirl a flag to the rhythm of the music it’s a requirement).

    Give up – Someone once likened the pain we feel during a challenging time to growing pains in children – you ache and ache and then suddenly wake up one day and everything is ok. Yes, I’ve been there, and now I’m aware of it, which makes follow through so much easier.

  • Katie West/The Levity Coach November 14, 2009, 10:15 am

    Wow! What a powerful story.
    I ran in high school and it changed my life. Much of what you said resonated with me. There were days that it was really hard or I did not want to “go for it” but there was a drive and an appetite to continue somewhere within me.
    In the years since, I have used running as a metaphor for just about everything in my life.
    Thank you for your thoughts,
    Katie

  • Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord November 14, 2009, 12:01 pm

    Oh my gosh, good for her! I think I’m the polar opposite of your granddaughter in that I would have given up. I commend her for being so tenacious and unwavering in her desire to go all the way.
    I didn’t play sports in high school, so I don’t have a good story there.
    I did teach myself to run, more or less, after seeing people compete in the annual Boilermaker that took place in my hometown each summer. I liked the way their bodies looked – lean, strong, and capable of running 9.3 miles in a stretch. My freshman year in college I decided to become a runner. While I don’t run competitively, I still enjoy getting 30 miles in a week and look at physical fitness as the one thing I’ve done consistently since I was a teenager. While the rest of my life has shape-shifted, often times markedly, I’ve always run.
    And on that note, I’m going to get a 7-mile run in right now, if you’ll kindly excuse me! (smile)
    .-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…The Ultimate Unknown =-.

  • Caity November 14, 2009, 12:03 pm

    Wow! Congratulations Mackenzie! What an inspirational story! I played softball in school and it definitely taught me a lot of lessons. It taught me teamwork and friendship and gave me a break from other problems and issues when I was out on the field with my team. There were times I wanted to quit because people were mean to me or didn’t accept me, were jealous of me for my abilities, coaches treated me wrongly, or I was too tired or wanted to give up for other reasons. My father was the person who made me keep going. He knew how important softball was to me and how it would be an important part of my life. I continued to play softball all through college and I am so glad that I did. It was a part of who I was and who I am.
    .-= Caity´s last post…Friday the 13th. =-.

  • Zeenat{Positive Provocations} November 14, 2009, 12:57 pm

    My god…Mackenzie is one determined Gal! Yippee for her..
    From one small gesture…to something so big…it really goes to chow..when youre starving for something….you can certainly learn it and get it!!!
    Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.
    Big hug to you and and a warm hug to Mackenzie 🙂
    .-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last post…Papaya – Natural Cures =-.

  • Hayden Tompkins November 14, 2009, 2:06 pm

    This was extremely strange for me to read. I grew up in Florida and can’t remember ever not being able to swim. It was just never a big deal in our house. Plus I LOVE the water. But I can’t imagine having to consciously learn that as a young adult.

    So, go McKenzie!
    .-= Hayden Tompkins´s last post…Rock the Universe! =-.

  • Tess The Bold Life November 14, 2009, 2:13 pm

    Jay,
    Yes, and thank you for appreciating it. It’s a compliment coming from a story teller like you.

    Lori,
    That is so nice that you can still enjoy a sport you love. I appreciate your visit and hugs back at you.

    Wilma,
    Leave it to you to challenge me. I do get in the pool with them every time they visit because they want me too. I don’t want them to remember me on the side lines!

    Yes the path less traveled is certainly a challenge and sometime I wish I could side step it however are know the other road may seem easier at the moment it’s instant gratification that doesn’t last or fill my soul. So we’ll continue on together. Going hand in hand with others is the only way to take the high road!

    Lance,
    It’s all worth it in the end right? I don’t do triathlons because I don’t like pain. Ha…that’s Roger’s insight! He says that’s why I’m a slow runner as well. I totally agree with him. So I just happily trudge along enjoying the road and scenery along the way. Yeah for you and swimming!

    Ochuko,
    Nice summary! Yes joy cometh…and more will come for the lessons of a life time. One day she’ll look back and think “Thank God I was a swimmer.

    Patti,
    Yes we are rewarded for our strength and courage. And to look back at life and have no regrets is so good.
    Spring board…nice choice of words. Thanks for sharing.

    Stacey,
    Lucky for you and the marching band. Even the photos on your blog reveal those qualities you gained. Good body/mind connection what a gift. As a therapist I saw many people without it . If they had it they probably wouldn’t have had to see me.

    I’ve never heard the analogy of our pain being like the growing pains of children. What an insight for those who hesitate with follow through (like me)!

    Kaity,
    Running as a metaphor. I’ve not used it even thought I’ve been a runner for 20 plus years. I need to think more on that. Before you become famous maybe you could write a post for my blog!

    Megan,
    I had no idea you were a runner. One more thing we have in common. 7 miles? Way to go. I’m always inspired by any athletic event I witness…well OK not football. Enjoy your run.

    Caity,
    Your father sounds like my daughter! What a cool sport. I finally got on a soft ball team in my mid-twenties. I never had the opportunity attend or participate in sports growing up. No time for fun when you have a family farm. So lucky you and I like who you are;)

    Zeenat,
    Thanks for stopping by and hugs back at you!
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…One Brave and Amazing Teenager =-.

  • Tess The Bold Life November 14, 2009, 2:30 pm

    Hayden,

    Well lucky you! I had a few Aunts that lived in Fort Lauderdale. I finally visited when I was around 24 and fell in love. In if I wasn’t so happy here I’d move there tomorrow. Again lucky you. But hey I love heat and the ocean and no the humity doesn’t bother me either. I was misplaced at birth in the Midwest!
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…One Brave and Amazing Teenager =-.

  • Joy November 14, 2009, 6:15 pm

    Wow Mackenzie! Kudos for showing us when you face your fears the rewards you reap are abundant and amazing!
    And Tess, you took your own fear and faced it your own way–by giving your grandchildren the opportunity to learn what you couldn’t/didn’t want to. Your openness allowed such a huge door to be open for Mackenzie when she was ready. Excellent.
    I teared up reading this. I think we each have had an example of “not wanting to swim”, of beginning something we thought we be exciting and fun, but having the introduction period be exhausting and discouraging…yet when it is the right path, and you do the hard work to get through the negative, the results are phenomenal.
    I used to ask God to please do anything in life, but do not let anything happen to my children– I thought that would be the one thing I couldn’t handle. I’ve learned when you identify the reluctance to face “the one thing” it is then the thing handed to you. My daughter had several surgeries at a young age, and it was by faith and courage and shear willpower that I helped her recuperate from them all. I wanted to quit, I wanted to hand it over to someone else, but I dug deep and got her through it, and I’ve grown tons from it. She earned her resolve and tenacity:), and I earned the ability to “let her go” 🙂

  • Tess The Bold Life November 14, 2009, 6:27 pm

    Joy,
    Again your writing blows me away. I always thought the same about my children and don’t want to be tested in any way. Yet we know tragedy and loss happen. Nobody escapes it. We can get through anything when we have each other and our Higher Power. Thanks for you wisdom.
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…One Brave and Amazing Teenager =-.

  • Ann-Marie November 14, 2009, 7:58 pm

    Hey Tess
    Sport and me never really went hand in hand especially during my schools days. Looking back I had zero confidence and can still remember my Dad shouting from the sideline of my teen basketball games ‘Ann-Marie you gotta get tough, get in there for God’s sake’. In the end my head ruled the day and I never really got off the ground. My attitude to sports has thankfully changed over the years.
    I congratulate Mackenzie for sticking it out. It goes to show that practice, practice and more practice will get you through when you feel nothing else will. To keep showing up over and over again has its rewards and look at her now 1st Place. Fantastic. She’s a legend !!
    I’ve wanted to give up on ME this last year and my commitment to living my life differently and the mission that has become. Like Wilma, I’ve often wanted to chuck it all in, go back to just treading water in my life and play a small game.
    However I know too much now, I have a taste for what can happen and it rocks. I am no longer going it alone, I’m doing it with Wilma and other bold women!
    .-= Ann-Marie´s last post…Ann-Marie on Answering questions truthfully =-.

  • Hilary November 15, 2009, 5:13 am

    Hi Tess – it must have been terrible for him to drown – and that was why we encouraged to learn to swim .. I never much liked it and still don’t – but like riding a bicycle I don’t forget. I got my elbows stuck over the rail when I was out of my depth slightly (tippy toes alright) and lots of kids around .. I was frightened because I wasn’t a confident swimmer – I got out, but no-one helped – mind you being me I just ‘suffered’ til I sorted myself out. I’d have never been able to go on an amazing walk one day if I hadn’t been able to swim .. after jumping in from the top of a tree height – I wasn’t pushed, but it was close .. as there was no way back – and then into this deep deep water – I’m here so I did resurface!! Then about a 1/4 mile swim .. not my favourite – & I had ‘nightmares’ occasionally afterwards – but what an experience .. in the apple orchards of the Cape in South Africa …

    Doing things we don’t like is a great learning experience – the only way to learn, especially when we’re older. Kids should be offered and encouraged every opportunity to do and learn everything possible when young – gives so many more opportunities to share with others, team spirit, we don’t need to win all the time .. etc etc

    I’ve never liked exercise for exercise sake – playing squash, tennis etc – love them all the time .. now I must exercise – and must do it! Body requires it!!

    Have a good Sunday – Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
    .-= Hilary´s last post…A is for Apple – an Apple a day keeps the doctor away … =-.

  • Karl Staib - Work Happy Now November 15, 2009, 7:09 am

    There have been so many moments that I wanted to quit. I joined a fraternity because my older brother did six years earlier. I went through the hazing because I thought it would be worth it, boy was I wrong. I also lived in the fraternity house and halfway through I couldn’t stand it. I wanted out so bad.

    My parents could have helped me, but I made a choice and I would have to figure out how to deal with it. It was one of the greatest lessons of my life. I learned the importance of just being myself and people will figure out a way to love me for who I am.

    I stuck it out then quit the fraternity. I also learned that I have to trust my gut. I knew that fraternity life wasn’t for me, but I did it because my older brother did it.

    Lately, I’ve been wanting to give up on a lot of things and my day job comes to mind. I’m so glad I didn’t because I’m still building my blog into a business. I wouldn’t have been ready to make the leap.
    .-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…Hard Fun and Beautiful – Ripped Web Edition =-.

  • Chris Edgar November 15, 2009, 12:50 pm

    Hi Tess — I didn’t do high school sports because I was a surly long-haired kid who just wanted to “bang on the drum all day,” but I do have a story that’s pretty similar. My Mom used to tell me to practice writing essays regularly right before I started high school, and of course that was the last thing I wanted to do, but I don’t think I would have eventually taken up writing without getting that push.

  • Tess The Bold Life November 15, 2009, 3:50 pm

    Ann-Marie,

    I can hear your Dad! My husband did the same thing with our girls. Parents sure know how to get intense about the sports thing.

    I know what you mean about giving up but it’s too painful to remain in that bud when we’re all suppose to bloom! Mackenzie…did you hear that? She says you’re a legend.

    Hillary,
    Well I’m glad you resurfaced! The world wouldn’t be the same with you. I hear you about sports. It’s the reason people are told don’t look at it as working out. Find something you love and just enjoy.

    Karl,
    That’s some lesson you learned. Now you can pass your wisdom to your son. I find it amazing that you’re dad stood back and let you figure it out. Not an easy thing to do.
    Don’t give up! Call on your peeps instead. We’ll come support or resuce you.

    Chris,
    Wow what a mom! And drums and long hair? Who would of thought?
    The world needs your wisdom. It’s a great thing your mom did.
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…One Brave and Amazing Teenager =-.

  • suzen November 15, 2009, 7:17 pm

    Hi Tess – You just never know about seeds, do you? Fabulous story!

    Involvement with sports is good at any age, but in high school , in particular,I think it helps build character and responsibility.
    .-= suzen´s last post…One – A Hopi Prayer and Bono – Awesome Combo! =-.

  • Kristy November 15, 2009, 8:06 pm

    Mom, what a great post about my beautiful niece. I remember you reading to me that book, The Little Engine That Could, and the tag line: “I can, I can, I think I can.” That was the motto yout taught me to live by growing up. Sports in high school taught me commitment, teamwork, and a work ethic. I recall dad waking me up at 5 am to go shoot hoops at the gym. We’d step outside in the darkness and the janitor would let us in. I also remember the long evenings practicing w/ my basketball coach, Randy, afterwards to perfect my hook shot or learn how to got right when I did not have a right hand, knowing my opponents would force me to go there. Funny, the same skills I learned from sports in high school are the same skills I have carried over to my career and also my fitness activities today. Perhaps the most impactful lesson is teamwork and the ability to work along different people that have different skills/abilities/styles. Everytime I am in my wave for the start of the swim in a triathlon, I am remembering “I can, I can, I think I can.” I once read the 90% plus of women who are Vice Presidents have played college sports. I don’t find that surprising at all. In fact, I think sports build character.

  • sauerkraut November 15, 2009, 10:12 pm

    As a kid, I often went to lakes and ponds. I even taught canoe’ing and sailing and water ski’ing at a summer camp for 2 summers. That also meant that I had to be a certified life guard.

    But I really dislike swimming. I know what little kids do in the pool (and sometimes in the lake).

    Now, running… there’s something that I did competitively for a long time. High school, college, etc.

    When my little girl was diagnosed with asthma, we got her onto the swim team. Her peak flows improved tremendously. But like her old man, she detested the water. So when she became eligible for school sports, she was allowed to choose between swimming and running.

    She did not choose swimming. But by sticking with the training program, she’s become a good little runner. And that’s the real life lesson to learn from sports: success can be achieved by never giving up on yourself.

    As for myself, I’m done competing. Now if only I could figure out how to get the blessed bike to go faster. …
    .-= sauerkraut´s last post…PIAA Pennsylvania High School State Cross-Country Championship Results for 2009 =-.

  • Tess The Bold Life November 16, 2009, 6:29 am

    Sauerkraut

    I’m a runner as well. Love it. It’s wise to do what you like to do if you’re going to play sports. Yes the real lesson is never giving up on yourself. Kind of like a metaphor for life. As far as your bike goes…pump your lakes!
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…One Brave and Amazing Teenager =-.

  • Angelia Sims November 16, 2009, 7:15 am

    What a great story of drive and perseverance especially for a teenager! Congratulations, that is awesome! I love her comment that she was starving!

    I love swimming – was practically raised in a pool starting at age 3 – and had a in ground pool at our house. I feel comfortable in the water, like that is where I belong.

    I tried out for cheerleader, every year, in high school. There were only 1 or 2 spots each year. I kept trying. I kept practicing. FINALLY, my Senior year and there were five spots open – I made it!

    I’ll never forget how much that taught me to never give up. 🙂
    .-= Angelia Sims´s last post…Sunday’s Healthy Reflection =-.

  • Jodi at Joy Discovered November 16, 2009, 12:28 pm

    Great story, Tess! Thank you for sharing it. I love it that you were patient and quiet when you needed to be, and then that you were helpful in your granddaughter’s success when she was ready for it. This is a great story on so many levels.
    .-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last post…Forgiveness, Letting Go, and Freedom =-.

  • simply stephen November 16, 2009, 12:30 pm

    Tess,

    Good for Kenzie, what a demonstration of persistency and effort. I absolutely love your “I’m not hungry, I’m starving” analogy and am going to have to steal it, if that’s okay with you.

    We should all learn to be starving for something…it motivates, it helps us achieve the best we can do. I’m starving for many things but mostly for a desire to help people discover alternatives in life. What are each of you starving for?
    .-= simply stephen´s last post…Simply Stephen Network Launch =-.

  • Sara B. Healy November 16, 2009, 3:17 pm

    Tess — What a story of determination and courage. It is amazing what kids (and some adults) can do when they put their heart and soul into something. In addition the fact that Mackenzie continued with the Swim Team, even though it was so difficult just shows how strong minded she is. I think she might take after her grandmother?? While you may not have chosen swimming, I have a feeling you’ve done your share of gutsy things:~)
    .-= Sara B. Healy´s last post…Picture Story: “Tomb of”….? =-.

  • Patricia November 16, 2009, 3:41 pm

    I was determined my kiddos would have world travel, music, sport and art along with the ability to know how to learn. Once they reached middle school they could pick an option but they had to stick with it for a whole year and do their very best – then they could decide about changing. They also needed to learn about rejection, emotions, and depression as females and how to defend themselves. They all know what they like and what they can do….it is exciting to see them take on the world in each their own style.

    Congratulations to MacKenzie – I think too Grandmothers and fathers are a crucial component to success and joy in life….You go girls!
    .-= Patricia´s last post…Food and Friends =-.

  • Keith November 16, 2009, 7:56 pm

    WOOHOOO! Go Mackenzie!

    I know you must be so very proud of her, Tess! Heck, I am too and I don’t even know her!! 🙂 Her refusal to quit, even when she wanted too, is such an example for us all. I honestly admire her for that.

    Thank you for sharing this story Tess!
    .-= Keith´s last post…Dreaming Or Drifting? =-.

  • Tess The Bold Life November 17, 2009, 6:14 am

    Angelia,
    Wow 3 years of practice for one year of cheerleading. I bet you have fun Senior year! And lucky you swimming since you were 3. My younger daughters the twins did the same. They love swimming. I think we broke the pattern with them!

    Jodi,
    I love that you pointed that out. No easy feat for mothers! Thanks for stopping by.

    Stephen,
    Yes you have permission for stealing that line. Mackenzie OK’ed it as well;)
    You work shows me that your heading towards even bigger success!

    Sara,
    Thanks for the credit. Yes I’ve done gusty stuff. In fact you just gave me an idea for a post. Thanks! She takes after me? Ya think?

    Patricia,
    You’ve raised your girls in a wonderful way and now you get to see them fly. Isn’t life grand? And wait until you have granchildren…pure bliss.

    Keith,
    Admire her doesn’t even compare to what I think. The fact they exercise 4 hours per day is mind blowing. Thanks Keith.
    .-= Tess The Bold Life´s last post…Interview Online Counselor Zeenat Merchant-Syal =-.

  • Pauline February 15, 2010, 11:47 am

    My daughter may be the same way. She hates water in her face and doesn’t like to be in the pool at all.
    .-= Pauline´s last post…Leaf Swimming Pool Cover =-.

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