Swimming For Aunt Sue

'Swimming' has always meant so many different things to me.  It's been a sport, an outlet, an opportunity, a job, a family... Once a year, it's a chance for me to remember my Aunt Sue. 

My brothers and I were so lucky growing up to have lots of relatives close by...  Specifically my Aunt Sue and Uncle Stan.  They were at swim meets, basketball games, parties, and everything in between.  My Aunt was always there with a big hug, but I always knew that she wanted 'the best' out of me... and I knew when I hadn't given it.  That's one of the many reasons I know she loved all of us. A teacher at heart, and in the classroom for many years, I'm still learning from her a year after she left us...

 Last September she lost a battle with pancreatic cancer.  I think about her everyday and I try to do my best to make her proud in all that I do. 

While I'm not sure there's anything I could do to truly show how much I miss her, the Tiburon Mile gave me an outlet last year to do something that I love in honor of her.  The race is hard, it's cold, and it's definitely a 'mental battle' to get yourself through... I just can't help but think that she'd think it was 'cool.'  The idea of her smiling down on that day makes it amazing.  What a blessing to be able to remember her in such a simple way. 

Last year, the race was on September 13th, six days after she passed.... This year, it's on the 17th of October... which happens to be two days after her birthday.  I've been training hard, and I'm physically 'ready' to take the plunge next weekend.  More importantly, mentally/emotionally I've got the world's best cheerleader in my corner, and I always will..............

I love you Aunt Sue.