Thankful.

When this new virus showed up in my ID feeds in winter of 2020-- I paid attention because that is what ID people do. There was no way to envision all that would ensue. We have found water, stayed as safe as possible, swam in the snow and grown. That "If you build it they will come" mantra continues t be our truth. As we rolled into this fall - I personally have struggled. The endurance marathon that has been the experience of the hospital based health care worker has been harder than I anticipated. The energy to support patients, colleagues, community members and at the same time NOT carry the burden that seems to be the worlds anxiety and anger at everything is not easy. And it is draining.

We wouldn't be where we are without three women who have stepped up in absolutely amazing ways. My swim sisters. You know about Cory Siri. She showed up on deck a number of years ago and asked me if I needed any help organizing us, knowing of course that I did. And then rather than have me define all of my/our needs she simply saw them and began solving problems.

Lindsay started swimming with us years ago and over time and it has been a goal of mine to get her into a coaching role; she is a natural. And she has the time and passion and gentle nature to take over the work that is filling in coaches each week. In addition, it has been clear to us that we have many coaches in our pool and allowing Lindsay to work with them takes the pressure off of Matt, Cindy, Dan who burn out as HS season and club season get busier. It also allows us to suffer the heart break of "losing a John/Jon". To Hillary, Alex, Matt Meade and Katie-- thank you. We are so thankful for your passion and energy. And your expertise.

And then there was Sarah. Who also approached me on deck in August and asked if we might need help organizing. I mean-- have we ever had so many emails that didn't require a follow up correction 5 minutes later? Including birthdays. surveys, google groups and forms... The woman  is efficiency.  With our current numbers and schedule changes, know that she has made all of the difference.

To Susan Kabazie who took on gear this fall, to Ron Morosky and Scott Parker who tolerated being the party planning chairs and all of you who graciously welcomed a swimmer or a coach, submitted forms etc. Thank you.

I look around the country and see how swimming has been affected by this pandemic. Where there are outdoor pools with chlorinated water in a world of vaccine and swimmers still cannot get into it. I am really proud of us. We have collaborated so well.

So I am thankful. For your humor. Your goggle eyes. Your ridiculous flip turns. Your running practice commentary.

For you crazy swimmer hair, your ridiculous tech to count the number of yards that your body swims (even though it is written on a piece of paper.)

For your love and support for your lanemates.

For those of you who are newer FFH-- I look forward to getting to better know you.

I could not be prouder of the team that we have become, I had no idea how much I missed having you and this in my life until you all showed up in the water.

Looking forward to some social events-- please join for Brunch and the Swimathon. And know that the swimathon is NOT about distance but the comradery. And also the shirt. It is looking pretty cool.......

Happy Thanksgiving!