This time last year an amazing lady called Louise Bradley was preparing to take part in her first ever open water event. She had been coached, overcome her fears.....had to talk to herself several times, put her trust in me completely....from the second she dipped a toe in the water, she changed, she strengthened, her spine straightened, she developed and grew.
I sit here tonight in anticipation of the glass of red wine i shall have in salute to her amazing achievement, tomorrow night, just as i did one year ago.
People come and people go and every now and then someone enters your life that reminds you a little of you, that leaves an imprint that you know will last a lifetime, as just as i did a year ago and just as i will tomorrow night, i will raise a glass to the determination of one lady and to the powers of open water swimming that helped her realise just how special she is.
We all sign up for events then wonder what on earth we have done and why we are doing it, then we train, and then the day arrives, our family surround us, the noise overwhelms us but we are there, and no matter now much every fibre of our being is saying 'just leave..no one is forcing you to do it' we stand on the start line and wait for the starters whistle. And there it is we are off, just us and the elements...we are doing it!
As we go round our bodies say no i can't do it, i am tired, our heads play every game that can be played, the elements toss us and turn us in the water....is this what our washing feels like when we put it in the machine i wonder.....but wow we are doing it...the big day is happening!!!!
What does the future hold for an amazing lady, well i am proud to say she's getting married, a bride what will shine brighter than the sun on the day.
I toast to you Louise, as i sit her slightly emotional remembering this time last year, each and every year i will toast you, you are incredible and please never forget that!!!
