Eric joined the school swim team this year. They met each morning for practice at 6:30am. After 6 weeks of practice they had a swim meet called "The Big Bad Blue" Invitational. This was held at their own pool and included a few local schools. Since it's not possible to have swim meets weekly, this was a good chance to get ready for the big meet.
A week or two later, the team travelled to Mumbai for a 2-day swim meet that involved 7 other American Schools in the South Asia area. The cities present were: Mumbai (India), New Delhi (India), Chennai (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Lahore (Pakistan), Kathmandu (Nepal), Colombo (Sri Lanka).
Eric's events were: 50 m Breast Stroke, 100 m Freestyle, 400 m Medley Relay (Breast Stroke portion), and 400 m Freestyle Relay. He didn't place in his individual events and placed 5th in both relay events. We were so proud of them because this was the first year Eric's age group qualified for the big meet.
In addition, Eric came down with swimmer's ear (extremely painful) and missed a couple days of school and a week of swimming. I thought he might give it up but he didn't. He hung in there. The doctor didn't want him to swim for the rest of the season, but Eric was too determined. So, with ear plugs, the swim cap, and lots of prayers, he was careful not to get water in his ear so the infection would heal and he could go to Mumbai.
We were happy to travel as a family and experience another part of India! Plus we went to the Hard Rock Cafe' and got a nice, big, juicy burger! That should hold us over until our next trip!
We finally got it to stop bleeding and went back to the ENT the following day to show her. There wasn't anything we could do except let it heal itself. After about 10 days and many vists back to the ENT, it finally cleared up. One day, a big, dried, blood clot came out of Eric's ear:
As if that wasn't gross enough, Corey DARED Eric to EAT it!!! What a Dad, huh?
