Swim team

I've struggled to know what to do about this for the last week and a half. We signed Calvin up for swim team this summer. He was beyond excited about it prior to the start....wearing his wet suit and goggles around the neighborhood, talking about it, having me tell him about what it would be like. He has always loved the water and playing at pool, so I thought this would be great for him....

Unfortunately, he has a pretty intense fear of new things and people....he's been paralyzed. I'm sad for him that he can't swim because of the people doing it and new-ness of it. He's fine with the water.

On the first day I thought it was pretty funny. Classic Calvin.

I was hopeful on day 2 when the coaches took interest in him sitting on the sidelines instead of participating. He loved it and was excited to come back again.

But when that did not help him overcome his fear, I started just getting sad. The coaches have kids to help in the water, so he sat by himself the next couple days and was downcast on the way home. I've struggled to know what to say to help and encourage him along this way.

Today he wanted to sit the sidelines again. We decided to try go home and try again next year.  It was just a bit too difficult to watch him be so defeated again and again. Really it is easier schedule-wise for our family without it, but I am sad for Cal.

God, please make yourself real to Calvin in this area. Convince him that there is nothing to fear because you love him and are with him.

On a lighter note....here is some "classic Calvin" that makes me smile!

Abbey and I took the boys to the pool this weekend, and he loved the water...until he got cold and became dramatic. Here he is laying in the middle of the pavement eating an apple trying to get warm. It was not that cold.

Or at least Jack was doing ok...