This trip was very special for John and I because it was the last major high school swim meet that he attended. It was bittersweet as I sat on a blanket, on the floor of a cafeteria, watching a movie on my computer. I was uncomfortable and tired. Then, a mother who is my age, but has a child who is young, walked up to me and said, "You are so lucky".
I took off my head phones and listened to this mother tell me how lucky I was that I could just sit down, watch a movie and leave the rest to my son. He is on autopilot. It is true. I get up to watch him swim and then I do my own thing in between events. I don't have to fuss about making sure he has his goggles, has gone to the restroom, has eaten something healthy. I don't have to worry about writing his event, heat and lane information, in Sharpie marker, on his arm. I just sighed and said to this mother, "Don't worry. It goes fast."
I admit, it is nice to know I'll never have to sit, for hours and hours, on the floor of a gym or cafeteria, waiting for my son's next event. (There is usually not enough space for parents to sit in the pool area.) It is nice to know I don't have to travel with sleeping bags, quilts, books, computers, food and drinks. (I feel like a refugee when I'm going to a swim meet.)
My boy is now a man. He will be off to college next year and I will only get to see him swim when I get back from Okinawa. I am excited for him, but I am a little bit sad, too. It is the end of an era for us. I silently rejoice when I think about no longer have to endure hours on end sitting in a gym. But then, my heart has a little ache. I will no longer hear, "Mom, do you have a marker?" or "I dropped a lot of time!"
I began this post with the intention of simply sharing some things I saw in Tokyo. The meet was held at St. Mary's International School, in a residential area of Tokyo. I only got out for a few walks when John had a long break between events. But, I think I will just put up a few pictures from the meet as this turned out to be a post not about Tokyo, but about our last high school swim meet:
This is the entrance to St. Mary's International School where the meet was held. The school looks like a small college campus. The total amount to send your child to this school: $35, 868.79!
In the photo above John is standing next to the block, watching the competition. And, in the photo below, John, the lead in the relay, hits the wall as his team mate heads in the water for his leg of the race.
The Okinawa Dolphin Swim Team after the meet, awaiting the arrival of the other teams and the awards ceremony.
The Okinawa Dolphins Swim Team, after the award ceremony. The small team, that practices outside all year (And, it gets to be in the 50's on Okinawa!) took 5th place!! They competed agains 14 other teams, most of whom came from large swim clubs or other international schools. I'm very proud of our tough military kids and our dedicated coaching staff.
