Audrey Jackson
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Audrey self pic at 6yo. she borrowed the camera set up while i was occupied
Today is Audrey’s birthday. She is 14 years old. I must tell you about her! What an extraordinary young lady!
In addition to being an excellent student, she plays the saxophone and is an excellent swimmer. She is beautiful, funny, brilliant, artistic, and athletic. We all agree. We exchanged lovely sentiments with her last night over food and cake. She knew that today is busy and asked that we celebrate the evening before. She woke this morning to birthday tunes and a bigger than usual breakfast. Her day is otherwise packed with school, friends, studying and swim just how she likes it. I will show up periodically with food and treats to fuel the adventure and get some time with her.
Audrey loves to swim. She has been in the water since her first swim lesson at 3 months old. I love swimming but I really love water. Oceans are my favorite! Most vacations include some aspect of water. I don’t have to always be in it but nearness to it is essential. The sound and visual impact of it all is impressive. Whether the trickle of a stream or the immense roar and thunder of the ocean I find peace in it. Therefore, I need children that are proficient in and near the water. My only goal was that they be strong swimmers. Chasing proficiency, I signed Audrey (and Alivia) up for the neighborhood swim team. Audrey was in first grade. A champion only needs to get the taste of competition to realize their appetite. When Alivia was invited to participate in Divisionals and Audrey was not. Audrey has been setting goals ever since.
One of Audrey’s first years of summer swim.
Last year this time, in the pool Audrey had just completed short course (25yd/meter pool length) and had missed her end of season goal by 0.02 seconds. She was starting her first long course season (Olympic pool length/50m) with her current team, Eagles Swim Team. The year prior she had broken her left arm and essentially missed the entire long course season leaving her with no times to start the season. She had lost her balance/footing while running to the bus stop with her saxophone in hand.
Audrey Jackson Swimming Fly. photo credit James richardson 2024
This year she crushed her end of season short course goals and made it to the NCSA championship in Florida for the first time. Entering this long course season, she has qualifying times for the invitationals on her schedule. She continues to stand out in the classroom. She also has a supportive friend group that celebrates one another inside and outside of the classroom.
I have been given the extraordinary privilege to raise this young lady. I remind myself often when I am challenged by the weight of the assignment. From a young age, Audrey has wanted me to know that she was quite capable. Her hallmark statement was “I do it by myself!” either with a smile or shrill, she was adamant She wore more food than she ate, but she held the spoon.
Audrey is always paying attention and asking questions. She keeps me on my toes and I am learning to welcome the challenge. I get to learn from her “childlike faith” and get additional clarity in the process. She is quick to ask for understanding that resonates in the moment and I want to impart wisdom that prompts her to grow into a vision. I am also learning in the process. Some of the things I share are at odds with conventional thoughts. I have never been afraid to pause and see things differently. Daily I am seeking wisdom and understanding from God. Acknowledging God in this process has been transformative. I am hoping that she is able to appreciate this in the moments and not years from now, but I will stay the course for either.
I am impressed with Audrey’s intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual growth. She will have a unique, important, and timeless voice that will resonate with all generations.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The possibilities are endless. She is learning to hear from God. She knows that He has a plan and a purpose for her life. She has persevered through many things and her story of overcoming with help others.