My new old part time "job"

No sooner had I exhaled a tiny "whew" when L obtained her driver's license than I have slipped back into my role as swim practice chauffeur--and school swim team has not even started for the coming school year.  To have been on the high school swim team and then to try going back to summer city swim team that she's done for years, L has realized that she needs the levels of practice and instruction available at the high school level, so this week we signed her up for summer swim practice.  Actually, this decision has been wrestled with since about March, but came to the decision point this week. 

This new commitment involves traveling to the Neighboring Cities (southwest of the Tri-cities) mornings and evenings for two-hour practices each time (up to seven or eight practices per week).  This would not be such an inconvenience if L could just drive by herself to some of them, but we need to take along a fellow swimmer (because it is the right thing to do and when you do the right thing, it is not always convenient). Legally, and for several more months, L cannot take passengers without a parent in the vehicle and the other swimmer does not have a license.  So whether L drives or I drive, it is irrelevant.  I will need to go along.  Hopefully, the other swimmer's mother can drive once in a while. 

I have experience at this kind of thing--driving to practices, keeping myself occupied for two hours, driving home--although in the past it has been just once per day. There are only so many things to do in the Neighboring Cities when one is without money :o/ and only so many things one can take along to do away from home.  I also felt much more comfortable catching a nap last winter under cover of darkness, than napping in broad summer daylight (not to mention the dangers of sleeping in a vehicle in 100+ degree heat).  And there are no things that just take care of themselves at home when I am away. Zero, zip, nada.

However, these are the things mothers do sometimes, and even want to do, to help their children when these activities mean a lot to their children. I am not a stage mother.  I do not care if L is an Olympic swimmer.  Swimming isn't even the point.  I care about helping her, particularly when she works so diligently.  There is a window of opportunity for this type of thing; it is called "youth," and that window is now.  Other things will just have to give and we will need to make it work. 

And L and I will have some sweet times together.