Happy Wednesday! Today I’m introducing a new author, Denise Weimer, who is sharing a “story behind the story” connected to her novel, Spring Splash!
I’m excited to share her story with you, and I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did! Be sure to read to the end to find out how you can win an eBook version of Spring Splash.
Almost Enough
A Story Behind the Story – Spring Splash
Squinting as the merciless South Georgia sun reflected off the pool, I watched them race—my thirteen-year-old daughter Emily and a fourteen-year-old teammate from her year-round club, now competing against each other on different summer league teams. The rest of the field fell behind almost from the dive. But those two reminded me of Energizer bunnies, so fast they looked unnatural. So determined, not just for the win, but for the parks and rec record. They were getting older, not planning to come back to GRPA state next year.
The 100 IM is the most technically demanding race on the summer league docket, showcasing all four strokes with specialized turns. At the district meet, Emily had easily won with her back-to-breast bucket turn. I was expecting her to pull ahead at the same point today.
But her competitor had a surprise in store. She, too, had practiced the faster turn, and with her longer body length, shot ahead of Emily. My stomach rose in my throat as they raced neck in neck, right down to the final touch. So much water sprayed, I couldn’t tell who won until the scoreboard registered.
Both swam well under the record, but the other girl took it. By .01. The smallest possible fraction.
I can still feel the tears rise as I remember how my daughter and I had to leave the complex as fast as possible. My daughter who never cried sobbed in our car. So did I. It took days before the weight and hurt of that loss began to lift.
Like her mom, like my heroine, Anna Callaway, in my new novel, Spring Splash, Emily was a perfectionist. Driven by a determination that never let go.
But what happens when you give your all and still come up short?
Don’t make the team?
Don’t make it into that college?
Don’t get that job?
Don’t get that contract?
What can possibly come out of all the work that you invest when you miss your goal?
- Humility. People may act as though they like a haughty winner or star in their field, but do they really?
- Good sportsmanship. After we cried, we went back to the pool to congratulate Emily’s competitor. They’d be on the same team again come fall.
- Perspective. Six other girls lined up for recognition at the medal ceremony. They deserved congratulations too. Someone else’s best is equal in every way to your best, even if you are eight or eighty places apart on a scoresheet. Or in the rankings. Or whether you’re the boss or the lowest person on the totem pole.
- Discernment. Never talk about how bad you did in front of someone who did worse.
- Realism. Your best today won’t be the same as your best yesterday—or tomorrow.
- Grace. Give it to yourself as well as to others. There are a hundred factors that influence performance, not only in athletics, but in life. We may only be aware of a few.
- Acceptance. Everyone has different strengths. Everyone has struggles. God made you good enough just as you are.
Love rooting for the underdog? Check out Spring Splash:
When an injury sidelines college swimmer Anna Callaway, her dreams are crushed. She pours herself into her sports marketing practicum, helping a local special needs organization promote their athletic event. What she doesn’t expect is a swim team ripe for the Special Olympics—and their handsome but stubborn coach.
Craig Holt has dealt with eager and ignorant volunteers before. No matter how determined or persuasive uptight Anna might be about coaching his team to the Special Olympics, he has no intention of allowing her to raise the hopes of his swimmers, his sister, or his guarded heart.
Then Anna herself gets a second chance at becoming a champion. Will she pursue her lifelong goals or make room for a new dream?
About Denise
A swim mom for fifteen years, Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense set in her home state of Georgia. She’s authored over ten published novels and a number of novellas. As a managing editor for the historical imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams.
Connect with Denise here:
Purchase Links
I’m so glad you joined us today, Denise! Isn’t it amazing the things we can learn through our children? God gives them to us not only for their sake but for us to glean knowledge, as well!
For your opportunity to win an eBook version of Spring Splash, simply comment with an answer to this question:
What did you learn from the experience at a time when you felt you were “not enough?”
Thanks for reading, take care, and stay safe!
Welcome, Denise! What a great “Story behind the story!!” Thanks for being here!
I learned that what I thought was best for me was in the long run not the best. I would have had to deal with things I didn’t want to deal with and would have had so much added responsibility that would have bored me to tears. The Lord knew what was best as He always does <3
When I learned that my baby girl was developmentally disabled, I felt unequal to the challenge that faced me. I did not think I had the “right” personality or abilities to raise a child with medical and developmental problems. But a mother does what a mother has to do, and I learned—very much hands-on. God continues to show me that I am enough in Him to do whatever He calls me to do.
I’ve learned that with God, I AM enough!! I used to have an inferiority complex, and it used to raise it’s head very often! However, I’ve since gotten to where I don’t hear that voice too much, and am finding that as long as I know I’m doing what God wants me to do, I can get through anything!!