The kids have been involved in Swim Team again this summer and again it has proved to be a fantastic experience. Jaxton & Cooper are on the swim team and Kaylee & Dawson are on the prep team. The whole month of June gave each kid some definite practice and experience. Now in July, they have participated in specific swim meets where they have a chance to "perform" their strokes and new techniques. For Kaylee & Dawson there are swim coaches in the water at all times helping to keep the kids learning to swim. For Jaxton & Cooper, they are on their own and focusing on technique and speed.
The first swim meet that we had, Jaxton had a rough start with his goggles falling off and coming in last place in just one event. He was about to throw his hands up and quit, but he gathered up some confidence and went out to his second and third event and rocked it. I'm proud of him for gathering up courage and trying again after feeling embarrassed for the incident. Afterwards, he said "sign me up!" for the next meet. So it turned around for him. That same meet, Cooper won first place in one of the events and was on cloud 9.
The second swim meet brought new challenges and fears. Coop was so motivated after that first meet that he wanted to sign up for more events and more challenging ones. He got some motivation to sign up for an 100IM which is 4 laps back and forth, 1 lap of each stroke. His first event he began swimming the wrong stroke, then realized it, paused, and then kept going with the correct one, but by then he was in last place. He was so worried about being disqualified and losing. He melted down and wanted to quit. But we talked through it, I asked him what Rocky would do. The next thing I knew, he was out there getting ready for event #2.
This second meet was notable also because it brought out some good character in the boys. Jaxton got second place in his first event. Cooper was watching and was so excited for him. He was so proud of his brother. He ran over to tell Jaxton that he got 2nd and Jaxton just beamed. I felt so grateful that Cooper could support his big brother like that. Then, once Cooper gathered up courage to do his next event, he was still worried about the 100 yard medley. Jaxton went and changed his clothes because he was finished with his events and he went and gave his team swim suit to Cooper for his big 100 yard race. He knew Cooper wanted and needed a racing swim suit and it was simply kindness that led Jaxton to share his suit.
I felt such gratitude for my boys and their kindness towards each other. Sometimes they are not kind to one another, but in the times that it matters, they are. And that makes my heart swell.
