There are certain skills that I believe can really alter your life
experience. Swimming is one of them. I remember learning
how to swim as a child at the Hidden Valley Swimming Pool near our
home. There were a couple of eventful lessons, but then there was
no looking back. I love to swim, and it has enabled me to
participate in numerous activities around water.
Over this last summer I have made it a point ot take my son Sam, now
just over three years old, to the local swimming pool one or two times
a week. Its been fun to be a part of his progress from being
uneasy in the pool, to being ok floating by himself wearing his life
jacket. Months ago he progressed to kicking and paddling with his
hands, and a month or so ago he started to jump into the pool … not
caring about going under water anymore.
Two nights ago, he amazed me as he demonstrated absolutely no fear
about doing belly-flops in the pool … and intentionally putting his
face into the water while holding his breath. It was too funny to
watch. Somehow he got the idea, and then for the next 15 minutes
he would stand … walk forward .. and the dive forward onto his belly
and go underwater. He repeated this over and over. And then
it got better. He suddenly ran towards me and said “I want a
mask!”
The pool that we go to has all sorts of equipment that is free to use,
and we went and got a mask for him. As he put it on, he seemed to
question the fit, but then quickly walked forward and dove on his
belly. He got up smiling and spent the next 30 minutes repeating
this over and over again. He told me several times that he could
hold his breath. It was a blast to see.
I again have to admit that having a child, and watching them develop,
has to be one of the most amazing experiences. I get one set of
feelings watching him learn and accomplish things. I get another
set of feelings imagining that I too went through this process.
Its wild what we forget about our own development and learning.
Its fun thinking about how Sam will enjoy going to Hawaii the next time!