The journey my daughter Cathy has had with her swimming is as long as it is beautiful.
Cathy suffered some terrible 1her early childhood. After years of regular treatment, she 2 became healthy.
Two years ago, while Cathy was watching the Olympics, a dream came into her sweet little head—to be a swimmer. Last summer,she wanted to3 out local swim team. She practiced hard and finally 4 it. The team practice, 5 was a rough start. She coughed and choked and could hardly 6 her first few weeks. Hearing her coughing bitterly one night, I decided to7 her from it all. But Cathy woke me up early next morning, wearing her swim suit 8 to go! I told her she shouldn't swim after a whole night's coughing, but she refused to 9 and insisted she go.
From that day on, Cathy kept swimming and didn't 10 a single practice. She had a 11 intention within herself to be the best she could be. My ten-year-old was growing and changing right before my eyes, into this 12 human being with a passion and a mission. There were moments of 13 of course: often she would be the last swimmer in the race. It was difficult for Cathy to accept that she wasn't a 14—ever. But that didn't stop her from trying.
Then came the final awards ceremony at the end of the year. Cathy didn't expect any award but was still there to 15 her friends and praise their accomplishments. As the ceremony was nearing the end, I suddenly heard the head coach 16, “The highest honor goes to Cathy!” Looking around, he continued, “Cathy has inspired us with her 17 and enthusiasm. 18 skills and talents bring great success, the most valuable asset(财富)one can hold is the heart.”
It was the greatest 19 of my daughter's life. With all she had been 20 in her ten years, this was the hour of true triumph(成功).
