There are many reasons we join professional associations. We come to learn. We come to grow our businesses. We come to solve problems, exchange ideas, and become better leaders.
But sometimes, without even realizing it, we find something much greater.
We find our people.
Ten years ago, my husband of only five years was involved in a devastating bicycle accident along the California coast. I received a phone call from a California Highway Patrol officer who told me he had found a cellphone on the side of the road and believed it belonged to my husband, John.
Then came the sentence that changed my life forever.
The officer asked me to describe my husband. After confirming his identity, he quietly said, “I believe your husband was in a serious bicycle accident in Jenner, California and is being life-flighted to the hospital. Please call the hospital for details.”
When I reached the hospital, I learned John had sustained life-threatening injuries: a broken neck, broken leg, broken ribs, and traumatic brain injuries.
Everything after that felt like a blur.
Hospital rooms. Doctors. Surgeries. Decisions. Fear.
But one thing remains crystal clear. The outpouring of love from this association. Phone calls. Messages. Prayers. Encouragement. Check-ins. Offers to help.
That friendship, that support, and that love carried me through the hardest season of my life. You lifted me when I didn’t think I had the strength to put one foot in front of the other. You celebrated every small victory with me, every milestone, every bit of progress.
Simply put…
You are my people.
Some of you are brand-new members. Others have been part of this association for decades. Whether we had known each other for years or had only met once at a conference, it didn’t matter. I felt supported by this incredible community, and ten years later, I want to use this opportunity to simply say:
Thank you.
The support extended beyond encouraging words. For years, I had learned from many of you how to build systems, develop leaders, create culture, and establish high standards within my swim school. Those lessons became invaluable when life unexpectedly required me to step away.
My team didn’t need me every minute. They were ready. They led. They cared for our families. They protected the culture we had worked so hard to build. Everything this association had taught me became real in one of the most challenging moments of my life.
As business owners, we’re busy. Summer is especially demanding. We often think, I really appreciate what that member taught me. Or, I’m so grateful they challenged me to think differently. Too often, that thought stays in our heads. I’d like to challenge all of us to do something different. Get that gratitude out of your head and into the ears of the person who needs to hear it.
Pick up the phone. Yes…the old-fashioned way. Call someone in this association. Thank them for believing in you. For teaching you. For challenging you. For encouraging you. For listening. For helping build the leader and business owner you are today.
Own your circle of connection.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Amy Poehler:
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”
I’ve been a member of this association since 2004. Although I don’t get to see many of you throughout the year, please know that I value you more than you realize.
You changed my life.
Today, ten years later, John continues to amaze us. After years of therapy, determination, and countless prayers, he is doing well. He can’t see out of one eye because of his brain injury. He walks with a limp from both the brain injury and his broken leg. His voice is softer now and sometimes difficult for others to understand. He also needs far more sleep than I do—which can be challenging since I’m very much a “hit-the-ground-running” kind of gal. But he drives. In fact, he recently bought a Tesla and absolutely loves the self-driving feature.
More importantly, he loves. He loves his family. He loves his friends. He embraces life with gratitude instead of complaint. And every single day, I am reminded that none of us walk through life’s hardest moments alone.
As your President, I hope we continue to be more than a professional association. I hope we continue to be a community that celebrates one another’s successes, shares wisdom freely, challenges each other to grow, and stands beside one another when life becomes unexpectedly difficult.
Ten years ago, you were there to lift me. For that, I will be forever grateful.
Now, I’d like to ask one favor. When you finish reading this post, don’t simply move on to the next page.
Pick up the phone. Call someone who has helped lift you, teach you, challenge you, encourage you, or simply remind you that you’re not in this business alone. Tell them what they mean to you.
Your words matter.
With love,
Rose C.
From the Fall 2026 Issue of Ready Set Swim
