Proud of a young trainee

This weekend was Andy's first full powerlifting meet. A little about Andy. He's 25 and works full time and has been a great addition to the group of lifters I train with in the mornings. I met Andy via Myspace. He contacted me about some questions regarding lifting and we stayed in touch here and there. A little over a year ago, he contacted me and asked if I could look at his form. I told him to come by my gym and we'd take a look. Andy was a college student when I met him so, during the training session, I asked about school. He had to drop out he told me and we then discussed why. His mother had cancer and it was in the advnaced stages. This woman had it twice before and went in to remission both times but, unfortunately and sadly, this time there would be no remission.

I can tell you several stories about meetings and discussions like this one and how I feel like God puts us in these situations and gives us a chance to help someone out. For Andy, it was just him and his Mother so, life was a big adjustment. I asked Andy that Saturday he came to the gym to join the group and it wasn't long before he was making progress. I got an e-mail early one morning when Andy failed to make it to a session that his mother had passed. I went to the visitation because that's what team mate's do, they support one another and I knew that it was a time to support someone in need. Andy introduced me to family and I sat and watched a DVD about his Mother's life and while doing so, Andy talked me through everything and told me about times when he was little and that his Mother knew about the group and me being his lifting coach.

Fast forward now to a little over a year later and Andy competed in his first full powerlifting meet. This day would be a challenge beyond the norm as it was a much bigger meet than anticipated and would be an all day affair. Andy went 7-9 squatting 605, bench pressing 465 and deadlifting 505. The missed lifts were very close so we were very true on our game plan. Andy had great composure all day long and dug deep for a couple of those lifts. I know in my heart that Andy's mother was watching him. I know she, like myself, had to be very proud.

Again, God leads us in ways I can't explain. I'm greatful for Andy. He's become such a big help in the gym in the evenings and gladly does so. He's an integral part of the group as well. I'm not sure who or who doesn't beleive in the metaphysical but, I truly beleive Andy was brought to me for a reason, reasons for us both. Sure, I was glad to help him but, I have recieved way more than I have given.

Andy is trying to get into law enforcement and honored me by asking me to be a reference. So, any of you that pray, please pray that if this is what Andy is to do, that he does well. Me, well, I'm just a proud coach. Congrats Andy!