Dragonflyz

So you were unable to play in the FOR tournament this weekend because of your knee. We have been looking for a new team because of issues we have been having with Coach Henry. Various teams have asked you to play for them but it really came down to OCO and Tigers Magic. OCO won the tournament and Tigers were playing for last place. However, we went with the Tigers since it was the best fit for you. We met the team on Sunday and had a get together at Coach Bobby's house. You had a great time with the new girls, probably more fun that with the Flyz. Mom and I also got along well with the families. I think this will be a good team for us. It might be an emotional time for you after the Tigers Tournament since that will be the last time you play with the team. However, I think you've emotionally checked out already so I'm hoping things will go smoothly.

I ordered your jersey for Tigers today and they wanted to know if you were going to have your name on the jersey. I said they could put "Matsumoto" or "Big Dog." Aunty Melissa wrote back that she would have to change Haj's jersey to "Lil Dog." That was the first laugh you had in the car after I picked you up from school before going to the chiropractor and swimming practice. I always know how to get you out of your funk!

Junior Guards

Well you tried out for Jr. Guards on Saturday and did not pass. You needed to swim 100 yds. in 1:50 but did a  1:59, 1:52 and 1:56. You were really disappointed and tears were in your eyes. It was really hard because the friends that you saw there were all passing. When we were leaving you were walking with mom saying you didn't want to try out again. Mom was saying you didn't have to do it anymore. You had hurt your knee the week before tryouts and were unable to practice before the tryout. Your best time in practice was a 1:52 which the instructor said would pass because her pool was smaller and required more turns. However, that was before you hurt your knee.

However, I wanted you to try it again but didn't say anything that day. On Sunday, you heard me talking with mom about taking another lesson on Monday. When we saw you in the bedroom you were really quiet and we were asking what was wrong. You kept saying, "Nothing." Then I asked you, "What are you thinking about?" and you said "Jr. Guards."

I talked to you about how those who had passed had taken the test multiple times over two years. I said to just try it for the rest of this year and you wouldn't have to do it anymore. We wouldn't tell anyone that you were trying out so that no one would ask you about it.

When I picked you up from school today, Monday, you asked if you had to go swimming today. Then, if you had to go for an hour. I kept asking you if you really wanted to do it. You were quiet and said you would. We took you to the chiropractor who worked on your knee then I took you to practice.You swam a 1:47 and a 1:46 and when we left practice you were back to your old happy self. I asked why you were so cautious about going to practice and you said it was because you thought you would swim slower.

I told you that I believed in you even though you might doubt yourself. You said that you for believing in me. I'll take you to the big pool this weekend to take some practice times. I'm hoping you'll be able to pass next week!