He Issued a Challenge…

This is it!!  It all started in June of 2025 in a puddle on the beach in PBC.  Gary said, “I would like to swim in the clear springs in Florida but we can't because you don't swim.”  It's true.  I didn't.  In fact I had quite the fear of water.  Neither of my parents could swim. But it didn't matter much.   I was born and raised in the country in Berks County, PA and we had puddles and creeks.  My few experiences with water were traumatic....  My mom got knocked over by a wave while on vacation in Florida.  I think I was 7.  I was pushed into a public pool in Pine Grove while visiting with friends, I was maybe a teenager. 

Then I married a guy who loved the water.  We vacationed at the beach and he was in the water all the time.  I would go in to my ankles.  He would have to coax me out further and I was terrified. 

Then came children and I did not want them to know my fear.  So, I gave them space with their dad and water and let him take the lead.  He taught them all well and I think they are all comfortable with water.

But this, this was a challenge.  I worked full time at the YMCA at the time and I had a conversation with the Aquatics Director.  She let it go for a little while and then circled back and said, “It's time.”    So, I signed up for private swim lessons.  She trained me while the pool was closed in the afternoons in our deepest pool.  Swimming over that 10 foot area watching the floor disappear beneath me, even with a noodle was so scary.  Jumping in the deep end to learn how to tread was the WORST.  Why??  Someone said to me, "You mean you never jumped into the deep end before?". Ummm, no.  Why would I?????

I never did get the breathing thing down....lifting my head and breathing and continuing to swim still alludes me.  But I enjoy swimming on my back and I can swim with my face in the water with my snorkel!  Also, I did learn to tread.

But I haven't been in a pool in 5 months.  So as we drive to Rainbow Springs State Park to kayak and swim in the clear springs, I am a little nervous.  But I have given myself permission to start out with a life vest.  It's okay.  Grace is a very real thing.