What I have learned....

A year ago we were at provincials. As we pulled into the driveway, we opened up a recently sent  email that unleashed a torrent. That torrent took over our summer. It started a series of events that stole many people's summer, caused great stress and in the end, really changed the swim club - but not the way the torrent creators expected.

So what have I learned from it all?

1. It is never too late. When I played racquetball with my dad, and I'd miss, he would always yell, "Get it again!" You can always hit it after the bounce if you miss it before the bounce. Life is like that. Even when something crazy happens and it seems like people are way down that road, it is never too late to turn around.

2. If people won't listen, and you really want to be heard, get organized. When we got the news that they were firing our coach, we immediately tried to contact the board to get some history. They wouldn't talk. We even got creative in trying to talk to the board. We were told to go away (that is the very polite and kind version of how they told us to go away). Their minds were made up and they said there was no turning back. Since their job was to represent the members, we decided to organize. Our collective voice made a difference.

3. If you aren't happy with how things are in an organization, you better have everyone on board before you decide to revolutionize it with your little merry band of dissenters. The board members ended up all resigning. The new board has worked hard to repair the damage, build relationships, and focus on the areas of weakness. They have done an amazing job.

4. Never quit. Nothîng is irreparable. And if you are not happy with a situation, find a situation where you will be happier. 

5. Good can come out of a seemingly terrible situation. There have been changes made in the club that are really great. We could have made these changes without all the drama, but I will be grateful for the changes, nonetheless.

The interesting thing is when we look at that list of people who wanted a different coach, none of them were at A's this year and most of them aren't even swimming anymore. Did that happen because their dissatisfaction actually wasn't rooted in who was coaching? Or was the mutiny such an experience that it even spilled over into their kid's lives and tainted their desire to swim? Or maybe the issue was more about the parents than the kids? Hard to say. All I know is we are grateful to still be here!