It’s so easy to stay home. It’s so comfortable. Everything is at our finger tips. We can watch movies, sporting events, watch TV shows we missed, escape to Instagram, and connect with the world on our lap top. Yet, it’s a false sense of connection in a way. You don’t really get the real story. Nothing beats being there in person.

Moved by this thought, I decided I wanted to go see the finals of the Atlantic 10 Championships in Ohio. There was only 1 point that separated the Richmond Spider and the Duquesne Dukes. I could not just sit their on my Lazy Boy.  If you are fortunate to have memories of good people and good things in life  like the ones our beloved daughter provided for us…reach out – they are still there. I was part of it. Not like the swimmers but as a fan and sounding board to every hard practice, every 100th second of victory and defeat.

Sure I follow the team online. But seeing them in person is so much better. How much better? I got to see the senior banners, the parents t-shirts and the gear of the swimmers on deck. I got to see the fingernails painted, learn nicknames, feel the air, meet the fellow parents, learn the new cheers. I got to sit next to Meredith an alumni swimmer and hear how she continues to succeed in the work world and in competition  -like swimming 9 miles in open water swim!

And I got to meet Morgan. Someone who I so wanted to meet. I felt a bond knowing how much she missed her mom and has no choice but to go on. How many times have you said “you look so much better in person?” It’s so true. Pictures don’t don’t capture her zest and beauty.. Seeing the tickets for her mom and Natalie made my heart melt. It just doesn’t seem right that they aren’t there.

We are all part of something bigger than ourselves. Yes, Becky Soulia and Natalie Lewis are there in spirit. They are apart of our history. We are all connected. The good we do on earth never leaves it just grows in others.

Being part of a swim team is just a vehicle to lead your life by example and live to inspire others. The more you put in, the more you get out. Just like life. Live your heart out.

Everything is better experienced in person.

Go on and cheer for your team.

Go Spiders!

Sincerely,

Trish

Tags : Cheer, In Person, Richmond Spiders, Swim Team