A sign at the front of the neighborhood alerts everyone that the ‘Piranhas are in the water tonight.'
It’s not to be taken literally, of course. These aren’t flesh-eating fish but, rather, a fierce name for the neighborhood swim team. Long ago, I learned that most swim teams have imposing names with an aquatic theme: sharks, stingrays, swordfish…you get the idea.
At any rate, weather-permitting, our neighborhood team is taking to the water tonight for the latest home swim meet. If there is a warning conveyed in the statement on the sign, it’s to let folks know the pool isn’t available for leisure laps this evening.
Seeing the notification about the Piranhas reinforced the notion that June is the season for swim meets much as it is time for fireflies and summer camps. It also reminded that my kids gave the whole swim team thing once upon a time.
As a parent, I think it’s good to let children try out different activities. Holly did ballet for a couple years. Paul played soccer for a season. Holly enjoyed a few seasons of soccer.
Kids will like some activities; others…not so much. As an introvert, Holly found the hours of sitting around the pool were just a struggle to make conversation. Even as much as she enjoyed the water, she didn’t love the activity.
Paul, on the other hand, was always ready to dive in to any new adventure.
Still, after a while, I think even he realized we’re not built to be competitive swimmers! On the other hand, he felt the breathing techniques were helpful and camaraderie meaningful. And, of course, swimming is a good life-long activity.
I think his last foree’ into the swim team world was when he was 10. Later, of course, competitive baseball became the spring-summer focus and the neighborhood pool was merely an excellent location for an end-of-season team party.
Our family has long-since been out of the swim team scene. But, it’s still nice to know when the Piranhas are 'in the pool.’
A good, loyal fan always wants to 'root, root, root for the home team…’ even if the home team is in the water.
JG
Originally posted 6/13/2013
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