when i first met maija, i thought she was married to our other swim friend, todd. it was A and my first day at masters swim, and i think they arrived together at the pool. it took me a few weeks to realize that they weren't married. we (usually maija, todd and I) swam together outside of masters and i was intimidated by her b/c she was so fast.. i would get really hot, nervous and out of breath when we were in the same lane! i kept wondering why she would want to swim with me when i was holding up the swim set.
i've known maija for a little over a year and i believe we started becoming closer friends when we both signed up for an ocean swim in the summer that ended up being canceled. on our way home, she started telling me a little bit about herself and the things she was worried about, and in my mind, my jaw dropped. here was someone i had respected as an athlete and had been a little intimidated by and she wanted to be friends with me. throughout 2008 i have found her to be one of the most patient, thoughtful, non-judgmental, encouraging, honest, strong, beautiful people i know. her willingness to be honest and to work through her issues is beautiful and a sign of her strength. she sets her goals and comes up with a plan to meet them. she's never judged my past and has the ability to be honest with me with grace. i feel like she believes in me and i appreciate "borrowing" that confidence as i grow my own. in our triathlons last year, when she yelled for me to push it at the finish line, i really did b/c i felt like she knew i could. we cheer each other on and talk through each other's problems together. i told her before that she has been my inspiration and she still is. so here's to maija/coach maija (cm)/fast bunny (fb) and all the other nicknames we'll come up with..happy birthday, my good friend!
also, cheers to genine, my favorite cookie-maker and aqua-jogging and sati buddy. i had a ton of fun aqua-jogging with her and "racing" her up and down the pool. i'm sure we looked like quite the cool pair!
3 comments:
Thanks for saying such nice things! I remember that day we went to do that open water swim and walking around in NYC and talking in the car so well.
I remember when you used to always put your hand on my swimming cap and ask, "Are you warm too?"
Todd and I did used to drive synchronized from Branchburg to the pool sometimes, and spend half the class cracking jokes...so I guess I can maybe maybe see the confusion...ha ha.
for her bday, lend her the vacuum cleaner!
Oh THIS is truely a nice post about Maija!! Absolutely for sure! :)) I am glad Maija has such good friends in you both.
Post a Comment