Summer between 3rd and 4th Grade
We move from Burke, Virginia, to Midland, Texas.
Our new neighborhood is full of kids, but I’m afraid to approach them. I stare at them through the mini-blinds in my bedroom. I watch my 15 year-old neighbor sit on the front step talking on a cordless phone. I’ve never seen a cordless phone before. I think she’s amazing.
I start swimming with the local country club. My coach’s name is Joy and she is one. We generally practice at the pool walking-distance from my house. One time, we piled in a car to go to another pool further away. There weren’t enough seat belts so I sat in someone’s lap in the back. I knew I wasn’t supposed to do this. I’ve never told my parents.
We have a big swim meet against all the other country clubs in the area. My coach enters me in the 50 breaststroke with 11 and 12 year-olds because I’m faster than most of the kids in my age group. I’m beaming.
Then, as my event is about to start, I take one look at the other kids competing and run and hide in the bleachers with my mother.
Despite my fear of the other swimmers, I join the local swim team that Fall.
I’m really loving this series. It’s funny the memories that stick with us. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much! I’m having fun writing them!
These are so fun to read, I remember a mom who would pile us in the car and drive only through the neighborhood to the pool and I always felt so naughty without a seatbelt!
Isn’t it funny the little things like that you remember?
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