Fish

Clearly calm, sparkling beauty, gleaming sun from above, glistening reflection, incandescent and luminous too. Glittering bubbles, lucent and shimmering all around. Relaxing, reassuring, tender, peaceful no less. Playful splashes, tempting time and time again to continue on just a moment longer.
These are just a few ways that I describe what I once loved. Oh sure when I relent from my old and uncomfortable stage of life I am reminded of this former love but not as often as days gone by. If it is less than 90-95 degrees I am too cold to enjoy it, yes I get goose bumps and all. Even the effort in changing into a swimsuit seems work, coupled with the ever increasing demands of kids within the pool. Tossing, rides like I'm a dolphin and whirlpool creations lose the relaxing appeal. When did I turn in to this fuddity dud? I previously was a fish, as a child I swam in 60 degree weather out of pure love for the water. Have been known to take an hour shower when on vacation (OK even 20 minutes at home) and at the hotel's expense. Water heals my soul and allows me to think, pray and feel. Next to music there isn't much more that is so compelling. It is like an escape when there is no where else to run. Course this is a precarious thing to attempt now if a certain 2 year old remains awake and about but you get what I'm putting down.
Tonight after forcing my children to go swimming (who would have thought) I attempted to remain out of the water. A perfectly designed floaty for #4 makes that possible. Against my initial intent #4 would not allow her sister or myself to put her in the device. Instead she chose to climb up and down the ladder steps even in the water. I remained nearby, on alert for any reaction needed. She begged me to join her and "carry #4" speaking in 3rd person. Bright light bulb kind of thinking took me to gather a life jacket and "boogie board", make the not so painful effort of changing and jump in. Though outside temp seemed warm enough possibly 90's I was a bit cool. I know what your thinking but I am just cold, it is me.
Anyway, Ms. Independent age 3 in vocabulary, mind and ability was gonna get the next step in swimming. She did great, even letting go of my hand only necessary to balance her upright rather than to the side, and swim back to the ladder. She jumped from the top step several times to my waiting arms. Even better the big three did their own thing interrupting barely if at all. The short very amateur recording by my dear 7 year old daughter, #2, highlights her efforts.
I add a disclaimer that she was more willing with out onlookers, and man the camera sure did make me look worse than I would like to think I look:) Yes, I said it and don't knock me because I am certain every single one of you would think the same about yourself! Reflection and foreshadowing of the next swim season all wrapped in one afternoon. Not too shabby a Sunday at all. PS The pic with a brown haired child would be me at 8 or 9 I think, just in case you didn't realize I do not have a dark haired child