JENNY and AVI

Younger sister Jenny had an exercise plan for the start of 2025. She would swim and survive the 2km Waiheke Nani Island swim. 
Her son in law Avi had won the race and her son Michael had also finished well in previous races. Jenny desperately didn’t want to come last. Or even worse, a DNF (Did not finish) by her name. 
Avi offered to swim with Jenny this time. Competitors lined up, high fives were exchanged and the start signal blasted around the beach. Jenny was consumed with self doubts. ‘Why are you doing this? What were you thinking?’ You will get noticed for all the wrong reasons.’ 
My sister is stubborn and began to swim. Within five minutes the other competitors had left Jenny behind, way behind, but she kept going. She wanted to make her family proud and wanted to live less of a sedate life.
Avi stayed with Jenny, constantly encouraged her. He was never too far away and she felt secure with him being close by. Avi kept smiling at Jenny and telling her she could do it. Their supportive roles were reversed. She described her heart being warmed by his words but was she going to make it? She sure was. 
She was mortified and delighted at the same time as a guard of honour was waiting for her at the beach. Spectators, including her family and the other swimmers were clapping and cheering. Jenny’s daughter Briar (Jenny’s daughter) was overwhelmed with tears and a woman strolling on the beach joined in the celebrations and proclaimed that she might do it next year if they allowed swimmers of Jenny’s ability to enter! 
She is really glad she did the swim. The strength and camaraderie of the Waiheke Village is acknowledged too. 
Thanks Jenny for your wonderful story and thanks Avi for your humility and grace in helping my sister.

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