Swim Lessons

Today has been a hard day that we have told ourselves "We Can Do Hard Things!"
Vivian started swim lessons.
We have felt strongly that we want to empower our children and help them become good swimmer.
But beyond being good swimmers we want them to know water safety first and foremost.
How to act around water and respect water.
That water is fun but also very dangerous.
So I asked around, did some research and contacted a few instructors and asked them their teaching techniques for swim lessons.
Through a relative we were able to find someone who fits just what we are looking for to teach our children water safety and swimming.

Today was our first lesson.
I thought I could take the girls myself and be fine.
I'm so thankful for a husband who is in touch to the spirit and acts upon his promptings.
Mark called into work today and asked if he could come in late so that he could attend the first lesson with us.
I'm beyond grateful that he did!
Having him there was not only good for me and Vivian but him as well.
At first Vivian was apprehensive about getting in, so I jumped in with my jeans and wadded around with her.
The instructor felt bad, but I told her my jeans would dry, Vivian was more important than wet pants.
Soon Vivian felt more and more comfortable and was walking around exploring the wading pool with the instructor.

I was fine for the first 10 minutes and Vivian was doing great.
But then I found myself suddenly overcome with so many feelings, thoughts and emotions.
I couldn't hold back the tears any longer.
My eyes were filled with water and they soon were streaming down my cheeks.
I'm so grateful Mark was right there to give me a giant hug.
We stood there on the side of the pool embraced yet smiling as we watched our sweet little red head having so much fun in the water.
There were so many memories, thought and emotions rushing through my mind and body at once.
I was proud of all four of us for having the courage to be there at that moment.
To empower ourselves amidst hard trials and become stronger.
For doing Hard Things.
It was a very bittersweet moment

We will be attending swim lessons each week from here on out.
Next week I will be packing my swimsuit for sure!
Here is to doing Hard Things!!