I Was Prepared, but NOT Kev

Well, Ky's final swim meet was Saturday. I'd been thinking all week about how I would "hold it together" on Saturday. I think what prepared me the most for the day was when Ky decided not to swim for Team YES anymore back in the fall. That's where her "real swim" family has always been and where she adopted a 2nd dad and a BIG brother.

That time was very difficult for me, so when her last swim meet with her high school team came, I was prepared. She's never loved high school swimming and all the coaching drama that's gone with it. She was more than ready for high school swimming to be over and all that went with it, minus her wonderful SR swimming buddies. When I got up for the last time on TH at 5:15 to make sure she was up, it was a silent cheer!

Her first race was her IM and she dropped time. Although she didn't qualify for regionals, she dropped time swimming her all-time favorite race! When it was time for her final race, the backstroke, I got a little lump in my throat, but I knew I'd be okay. When she pulled herself out of the pool after that race, she "lost it". She knew that was the last time she'd race. I was still doing OK, as I expected that to happen. One of her Team YES families was timing and went over and gave her a big hug. (Thank goodness Coach Dennis was in San Antonio watching his college swimmer or I would've really lost it as I know he would've been right there at the end of the race.) Kevin then left the stands and went over to give her a hug. That's when he "lost it". I don't think he had any idea the impact this would have on her or really the impact it would have on him. I think he finally realized his little girl is all grown-up and about to begin a very exciting part of her life in which he won't be part of daily.

I knew Ky was going to cry and I prepared myself to be strong for that moment; however, I was not prepare to see Kevin cry. Needless to say, I then "lost it"!

As I reflect (been doing a lot of that lately, both personally and professionally), I know God has prepared us for all the stages of parenthood. Somehow, I feel like I've missed His way of preparing me for her graduation. I keep thinking it's a celebration, because it really is! I know her "best years" are yet to come and so excited for all the memories and new friendships she'll create at A&M. Ky is more than ready, just hope the world is ready for her!