Justin Horwitz
Creative Non-fiction
August 20, 12:43 p.m., what my mom wakes me up by saying:
“Justin, you need to think about continuing with rowing. You need to be involved with a sport this year.”
My response:
A murmured “no.”
My Moms counter:
“You loved rowing last year. You loved being involved in a sport. It will open up doors for you in terms of colleges and will give you a focus.”
12:45 p.m., pushing myself up from my bed so my back is positioned against the frame:
“I don’t want to row again this year mom. I’m out of shape, haven’t rowed all summer and want to just concentrate on school.
My mom’s irritated answer:
“You got the best grades when you were rowing Justin. It kept you focused on school and out of trouble. You know you’re going to regret your decision during the year. I’m gonna let you think about it for a few days, but I hope you’ll come to terms with yourself and decide to row. I know your out of shape and it will be tough to get back into it the first few weeks, but we both know you love rowing and you’re good at it. Talk to me in a few days after you’ve given it a bit of thought.
What I think to myself when I slip back under my covers in an attempt to go back to sleep:
It would be hell getting back into rowing. Saturday morning practices, Friday night practices and weekends away from my friends. But I did love it while I rowed. Regattas, being on the water every day and being needed by a team was a lot of fun. It would help me get into Wisconsin, my dream school, and my parents would give me close to unlimited freedom.
August 21, 2:45 p.m., email from my rowing coach:
Hey Justin, just checkin in on you to see how your summers going. I know you didn’t come to any of the optional workouts this summer and just wanted to let you know that tryouts are the 23rd and I’d love to see you there.
What I’m thinking when I read this email:
It’s not that I don’t want to row, it’s that summer is basically over and I don’t feel like busting my ass to get back in shape and compete. I don’t want to let my coach down though, so maybe I’ll just take a season off and row in the spring. After all, fall rowing is just preparation for spring. The weather’s warm and I want to be able to enjoy these last couple months before winter hits.
