“She wasn’t even trying to get ahead!” I threw my hands up in frustration as I paced around the kitchen. I was trying to get my mom to see why my sister shouldn’t be allowed to compete in the two-person canoe race with me. “She’s a lousy partner! I had to do all of the work!” I threw myself into a seat and accepted the glass of juice my mom held out.
She gave me that look like I was missing something. Every time she gave me that tight-lipped smile and raised an eyebrow, I knew I needed to rethink something. “Your sister is your biggest fan,” she started out. “You really crushed her, you know? When you stormed away after your practice? She was crestfallen. She’s in her room trying to practice her strokes right now. I bet you could-” Before she could finish, I sighed. I knew she was right. I chugged the juice then ran up the stairs to Penny’s bedroom.
“Pen?” I said, easing the door open. She was on the floor, gripping her oar tightly and pretending to paddle. When she saw me, she shoved it under the bed and stood up blushing. “Hey, Bailey.” I felt my anger thaw, my mom was right. She was my little sister and she was just doing her best. “Good practice today,” I said. “I think we could’ve won if we just paddled on opposite sides at the same time,” I picked up her oar and started to demonstrate. She watched with wide eyes taking it all in.
We spent the rest of the afternoon in her bedroom coming up with signals and paddling speeds. “Thanks, Bailey! I can’t wait to hit the water tomorrow!” she said with a grin.
I smiled back at her. In that moment, I realized that it wasn't about winning or getting ahead anymore. It was about sharing the experience with my sister, about supporting her and being there for her. I knew that if we worked together, we could make a great team.
The next day, as we stood by the water's edge, I looked at Penny and felt a surge of pride. She may not have had the same level of experience as me, but she had determination and a genuine desire to do her best. And that was more than enough.
As the race began, we synchronized our strokes, each paddle hitting the water at the same time. We communicated effortlessly, our signals clear and precise. It was a true partnership, one where we relied on each other and brought out the best in each other.
We glided through the water, the canoe cutting through the waves with ease. We weren't concerned about winning or getting ahead. Instead, our focus was on the journey itself, on the feeling of unity and camaraderie that comes from working together.
When we crossed the finish line, we were greeted with cheers and applause. But it wasn't about winning. It was about the bond we had formed and the realization that we were capable of so much more when we supported and believed in each other.
From that day forward, Penny and I became a team both on and off the water. We pushed each other to be better, to try new things, and to always strive for greatness. And in the process, we learned that the true joy lied in the journey, not just the destination.