Rowing in the Rain

Hello beautiful Community. I hope you are all well and have stayed dry today!

I was all set to post this week’s blog titled, “Lavender Haze” reflecting on the seasonal wonder of the jacaranda trees in full bloom across Sydney, until I decided to make a last-minute change. As I was standing in the rain cheering on our rowers at the Newcastle Rowing Club Annual Sprint Regatta today, Barnabas in Year 10 suggested that, “Rowing in the Rain” could be the inspiration for my next blog… so here it is!

Earlier in the year I documented my transition from a swimming mum to a theatre mum with my eldest son playing one of the leads in the school production, Anastasia – The Musical. At that time our focus was on singing and acting and we were counting down until opening night. Now, Anastasia?is a glorious memory of teamwork, bravery, and perseverance… and of course there are plenty of photos to remind us of how wonderful it was. Similarly, to what I was planning to post in my, “Lavender Haze” blog, Anastasia was simply a moment in time, much like the blooming jacaranda trees in Spring. I often write about the way the beauty of a rainbow is enhanced by its brevity; if you look away for a second you can miss its magnificence. Although experiences such as performing in Anastasia, and moments in nature such as Springtime jacarandas and magical rainbows are rare and transitory, it is the strengths they offer that remain.?

Today marked another milestone in my sideline journey as a mum. I think I can now proudly call myself a “Rowing Mum” after attending my second regatta. Drawing upon the same strengths of teamwork, bravery, and perseverance that we harnessed earlier in the year, today I had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful NGS Rowing community in action. Two weeks ago, we hosted the NGS Regatta at Berry Park in 35-degree heat and today we cheered on the crews in pelting rain. I have no doubt that for the rowers who were soaking and shivering as they made their way up to the start line, the whole experience felt like it was in slow motion. But, just like everything else that is fleeting and fades, the rowers knew that it would soon be over, so they made the most of it and came together in the most impressive way.?

Bearing witness to teamwork, bravery, and perseverance is truly a pleasure especially among a group of young people who are simply showing up as their authentic selves. Today it was so wet there was no space for anything other than strength. Our students didn’t decide to help one another and support something bigger than themselves… they just did. On its own today’s regatta was just another Sunday on the lake but like other moments of fleeting beauty, it has the capacity to sustain our students and carry them forward to the next challenge. I saw students carrying boats that they did not row in, I heard cheering for students who were in different year groups, and I genuinely felt the love. Finally, after midday the rain became overwhelming, and the event was cancelled. Despite the desire to get home to a warm shower there was something special about the scramble to pack up the boats. The teamwork, bravery, and perseverance endured.?

Who knows where my sideline journey will continue to take me as a mum. I was lucky enough to have two of my three boys rowing at the regatta today so I could literally cheer them on from the same sideline! My youngest son has a Hunter Drama festival coming up soon so I will be able to reprise my role as “Theatre Mum!” Regardless of where I am the message is the same… My role is to be on my children’s sideline supporting them as they show up and gain strengths that transcend this moment. Both rain and rainbows are not meant to last.?

Thank you so much to the fabulous NGS Rowing Team and in particular Head of Rowing, Brad Smith. Also, to all the parents, students, and our Rowing Captains Alice and Koby who supported everyone today. I hope you are all feeling very proud (and much warmer!)

Wishing you a beautiful week, appreciating all the fleeting magical moments that lead to teamwork, bravery, and perseverance.?

Take care, sending love Ms Marnie Thomas?