Remembering Bonnie and the Lessons She Taught

On Monday, I wrote about a scary incident that happened involving a swimmer named Bonnie at the Mission Viejo meet I attended on Sunday. While swimming the 1500 Freestyle, she suffered a stroke. Bystanders on deck performed CPR on her until the paramedics arrived, who then worked for quite some time, delivering shocks to her heart and reviving her. Though it was not certain her condition when the ambulance left for the hospital, an hour later, the meet announcer informed us all that she was talking and awake. So we breathed a sigh of relief and left the meet hopeful that things were looking up.

Today though, I am so sad to report that Bonnie has passed away. This is such a loss to the swimming community; especially to SPMA and Mission Viejo, her home team. She will certainly be missed and remembered.
 
In the midst of this difficult time, I think it is so important to remember how inspirational Bonnie was. Here was a woman, who at age 66, was doing what she loved.  Not only was she out there training and competing, she was determined to get better, swim faster, and make the most of improving on this talent of hers. My coach, Ahelee, said that she often emailed her asking for distance sets and wanting advice on ladder strategies. I mean, how awesome is THAT??!!
 
At an age when many people slow down, she was turning it up a notch and going big!  At the time she suffered the stroke, was swimming the 1500 meter Freestyle. That's a MILE race. A MILE!! It's always hard to find comfort during times such as these, however, I do believe that it’s possible to find solace knowing that she was doing what she loved. She wasn't waiting for "someday" to come - she was out there giving it her all and loving the adventure.
 
Though I had seen her at many swim meets, I had only briefly talked to Bonnie a few times; but I will always remember her and be grateful for the lesson that she showed me and so many others...to find what you enjoy in life and embrace it. Be enthusiastic and passionate for whatever you love. Live each day to the fullest and don’t wait.

Thanks for rocking the water, Bonnie. We will miss you.