A Finny First

Finny decided after “practising for YEARS…since I was FIVE” that yesterday was the appointed day on which he would brave the diving board.

Once up there he realised it was a better idea in theory…there was much nail chewing and hand wringing and eventually he turned back…

But then big sister arrived on the scene…

And gave him the type of pep talk that only a big sister can..

 

Cheering him on from behind….

The big moment…when you push past the fear and just.do.it

The agony..

And the Ecstasy

I’ve totally got this down, man.

 

 

A much more confident jump but still scary enough to be a big thrill..followed by the triumphant swim to the side.

 

Look mommy! Now I am going to do something fancy.

   

Did you see?! Did you see that?

I rock.

I have watched each of my four kids achieve this milestone on this very diving board. It is always so exciting. I always feel such a vicarious mix of angst and eagerness. I always feel so much affection and gratitude for all the friends (both big and little) who stand around to cheer my littles on (and the perfect strangers too). It’s a community moment in the midst of this private heaven/hell for the would-be jumper.

This time was bitter-sweet because I knew it would be the last….sniff….gulp. Ouch. I think he was the youngest to do it too….sniff.

I guess I will just have to start looking forward to cheering him through the next set of scary-wonderful“firsts”. 

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