Sunday, August 17, 2008

Reflecting on Michael Phelps' accomplishments

081708_flag_reflection
Merriam-Webster Online defines accomplishment several ways, one of which is a special skill or ability acquired by training or practice.

I've just seen Phelps, Aaron Peirsol, Brendan Hansen, and Jason Lezak win the gold medal in the 400 medley rely. And as a mother, I know how Phelps' mom felt just now when he made his way up through the crowd of photographers, and she was able to reach out and touch her son. Even if he had not won the eight golds, he'd still be her son, she'd still be filled with love for him, still have that connection that transcends.

What it all says to me is, as parents, when we can, the best we can, we nurture our children and their dreams. We're blessed to have the chance to do so. And we can let them know with something as simple as a touch what they mean to us.

16 comments:

WendyB said...

Nice shot -- nice words too!

DeterminedPeace said...

ok this weird. My wife was telling me the same thing this morning about Michael Phelps' mom and her perspective and what happened when he won another gold in the 400m, and went on how she is proud of her own kids and how this means to her. This is one of those times I kept my mouth shut and listened :-)

The Mulligan Family said...

We were so excited last night when he won the 8th gold. Your commentary is so "right on" about Mother's and the way they feel about their children. Great moment for USA, great moment for the Phelps family. Cheers!

Chris said...

You said it all. . . .I am so very proud of my son (who has not won any gold medals. . .who is quirky. . .who is creative and talented and sensitive. . . .), and when I do get to see him, I hang on to him like MP's mom did last night. It's a mother's right (and rite!).

Virginia said...

Well said and wonderful photo. maybe we all need to hum the National Anthem together! :) We here in Alabama are so very proud of our athletes participating in the games from our colleges and universities. I am an Auburn grad so I have been following our many swimmers. Some swam for the US and others for their native countries. Heroes all.

Petrea Burchard said...

I just love this shot.

Louis la Vache said...

Michael Phelps aside (and not to diminish what you wrote in any way) this is a fantastic shot!

AVCr8teur said...

I saw the sit down interview with Michael and his mom. You can see how proud she was of her son and the love between mother and child. It's so hard being a parent these days so seeing such closeness is very heartwarming.

Anonymous said...

I like the way you have shown this reflection

Anonymous said...

Quite a remarkable post. The photograph is tops. I would count it among the best I have seen today.

And your narrative about Phelps and his gold medals was very touching.

A great post.

Jim Klenke said...

He is one of a kind, and his mom is a pretty neat lady. Nice post.

Anonymous said...

great post and picture. The Olympics have been great this year.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Wonderful reflection and the sentiments in the post resound the world over.

brian stout said...

nice motherly observation! i really like your abstract reflection shot here too, nicely done!

Andrea said...

That is a PERFECT reflection.

Andrea said...

That is a PERFECT reflection.