The Finish Line

The pink dot on your screen is me, coming in to the finish line of the Hudson River Swim for Life last Saturday.  I completed the swim in 32:46, which placed me in the bottom fifth, but it was my fastest mile ever, so, yay!  What's that? Only a mile? Yes, for the second year in a row, the Swim for Life was cut to one mile for safety reasons.  And I'll admit it, there were tears, big, salty, broken-hearted tears.  When I heard the news that the Coast Guard had made the call, I was devastated. After two summers of training, after three surgeries, and a trip back from the very edges of health, after gains and losses of every shape and size to get to the end and not complete the task felt like failure. However, members of my team wrapped me in hugs and surrounded me with loving supportive words and got me through the sadness and frustration.  My dear teammate, Rob, told me that I was a big part of the reason he had committed to the swim, that I promised to get him across.  It's true. I promised, so I guess we're going to have to do it again next year.

The Coast Guard was probably right. Experienced kayakers were bouncing all over the place and inexperienced kayakers stayed on dry land. The chop was incredible, the current was very strong and at the very end I was fairly sure we would be swept into the rocks. Throughout the swim, visibility was low and swimmers were running into one another.  I had hoped that during the three mile I would be able to get away from people and really get the chance to swim my own swim, but that will have to wait for next year.  At the finish line, my parents were waiting; my mother ringing her purple cowbell like a pro. 

All in all, it was a good day, even if it was not the day we had hoped for. I have a feeling many of us will be there again next year with a score to settle. It's kind of appropriate, because, just like the search for a cure and an end to blood cancer, it isn't finished. We may not have conquered the river or cured cancer, but we've done what we could and we'll keep fighting. So far the team has raised over $45,000 and we would like to make that $50,000. My donation page is still up, http://pages.teamintraining.org/wch/Hudson12/emilyg if you're so inclined.  Thank you all for your words or support, donations and prayers.  You're part of this team too and I appreciate you all!