Swimming

For the last five days, my son has taken swimming lessons. For the last three, I've been in the pool with him. Probably normal to some. For me, I had to tackle my fear of the water.

I know he has a fear of water, hates getting his head wet, can't even enjoy the bathtub most of the time. But I also know what it is like to grow up in a world where your friends invite you to go swimming, but you can't. When your buddies want to go out on the lake in the boat, and you are petrified. Where the thought of driving over that bridge brings on images of drowning. Can you tell I don't like the water much either?

This summer, I thought G should at least try to get in the pool. I decided on private lessons where the instructor could focus on him and help him through it. Day one was all tears. Was Mom leaving? Do I have to get my face wet? Are you going to let me go?

Day two was a bit better but I ended up sitting on the edge of the pool, closer to the action, giving encouragement while staying dry. At the end of the second session the instructor gently mentioned that I was invited in as well if it made G more comfortable. All I could say to her was that I was afraid I'd pass my fears on to him.

But day three arrived and I was in my swimsuit also. G and I went in about twenty minutes before the start of the lesson to get acclimated to the water. He was shaking, teeth chattering and I was putting my brave face on as we tried to blow bubbles like Ms. Sam had shown us.

On day four, we were both so busy, neither one of us had time to be scared. Ms. Sam had G floating, kicking, climbing...all the while showing me how to support him so we can practice on our own. I was in the deeper end of the pool before I knew it. Granted, it was only 4 1/2 feet deep, but for someone who is only 5'4 and scared of the water, this was HUGE.

On day five, Nana and Papa came to take some pictures. My little ham was all smiles. This guy even went under the water a few times. He was fantastic! He left the pool saying " I love swimming lessons".

The money ran out or else we would be continuing on with further lessons with Ms. Sam. (As a side note, this lady was outstanding. She was just assigned to us but it couldn't have been a better match. She acknowledged G's fears and encouraged him in a way I have not seen anyone else do. Thank you so much Ms. Sam. You are a God-send!) We don't live in a subdivision and don't have regular access to a pool but you can bet we will be scoping one out to keep up with what we've learned.

It was amazing to me how quickly G learned to face his fears. I wish I could be more like him. I've taken lessons several times in my life, even as an adult, but this is one thing I can't seem to get past. It's ok though. We were sure to pray each night about swimming and each day on the way to the pool. We prayed for peace and for all fear to be taken away. I hope G learned two important lessons...how to swim and that God does answer our prayers.

As I reflect on this past week, I also thank God for showing me G's strength. I feel privileged to know such an awesome man-in-the-making. It's amazing to admire your child.