It's the L.A.W.

Today was a rainy day and with a rainy day comes a little bit of sadness…well in this case. Since we were around where I grew up, I asked J’ if we could go by my old swim place and we went. It has been run down for some time now. I guess my coach sold the land (and the pool that was on it) many years ago and from there it just dilapidated. It’s sad going back and seeing so many things that you know so well just damaged or gone. It was very memorable to me though. I ended up “breaking in” (not really, just went through a hole in the fence) and taking pictures of the old place. So many great memories, friends and swim times were made here and I will remember it forever.

[caption id="attachment_1804" align="aligncenter" width="300"] THEN (1993)…that’s me beating my competition[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1805" align="aligncenter" width="300"] NOW (2012) Kinda eerie, huh?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1807" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Then (1993)
I think we were supposed to be doing dry-lands[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1806" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Now (2012)
All dried up[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1811" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 1995 Underwater Pictures after practice[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1810" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 2012 Don't get in the water now![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1813" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 1996 About to get in for practice[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 2012 No practice today[/caption]

Crazy huh? It's good to be able to go back and see where you've been and what you have accomplished and this was one of those days for me. I've come so far and this is really where my life started, at this swim club. Thank you to my Coach, Dan Dittmer and for Longwood Aquatics to give me that great push into being the person that I am. Without swimming I would have missed out on a tremendously blessed life and am happy to be able to say that I didn't.

To all of the amazing memories, jokes, pictures, laughter, friendships, records and even the grueling practices and the painful tears.

I love you and will always cherish everything I was taught while being a part of this 'family'. I think a positive energy will always be woven into this land. And I'm happy to be a part of that vibe.

Love to the L.A.W.

[caption id="attachment_1814" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Ingrained in my brain[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1815" align="aligncenter" width="300"] If this hi-dive could talk!![/caption]

PEACE