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Health & Fitness

Eavesdropping

Today I am grateful for eavesdropping.  Yesterday after my own water aerobics class and teaching the two kids classes, and with snow coming down like crazy, I was very happy to shower and get home.  In a nearby shower I heard a conversation between a mom and her five-year-old daughter.

 

Mom:  You did really well in your swim class today, honey.

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Child:  I did, Mommie!  Did you see me putting my head under the water?

Mom:  I did. . .

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Child: . . .and then I bounced and bounced and my face went way under to my eyes!

Mom:  I know.  You did great today.

Child:  And I had a new teacher! 

Mom:  I saw that.

Child:  And she was funny and did you see me bouncing with my face in?

Mom:  You did great!

 

I could have bawled and laughed at the same time.   The lesson started with her sitting on the side of the pool, glaring at me with hatefilled eyes, blond hair matted around her face, not from pool water, from tears.  I stood in front of her and began to give directions.  “Bwwwaaaaaa!”  She wailed as though I had stabbed her, clutching, kicking and flailing her limbs. “No crying in the pool.  We have enough water already,” I said, in a matter of fact tone.  “Let’s go.”  She wailed while kicking with the board.  She sputtered when I had her reaching and pulling.  She twisted her face up in pre-wail when I had her push off to me. 

 

When I told her she I would be right there for her, while she floated on her back, she looked like she could have killed me.  Seriously.  It was as if this child knew curse words and was shooting them at me with her little blue eyes.  I assured her I would not let her go, but wanted her to feel how she will float because her lungs work like balloons and we all know balloons float.  And she did.  For some odd reason, she unclenched and actually relaxed enough to hear my encouraging words.  I took her floatie bubble off and she started to cry and clench a little, but I said, “Nope.  We’re done with that.  Now float.  I know you can do this.”  And she did.

 

At the wall after her new-found success she said, “Did you know I’m five-and-three- thirds-years-old?” She was vibrating with excitement.  “No I didn’t.  But I do know that you’re learning to have fun in the water.  I started bobbing up and down.  I think we should bounce.  I love to bounce. Let’s bounce and go all the way under.”  She started laughing at how silly I was.  Who?  Me?

 

The whole while mom was dressing her she yammered about the fun she had in the pool, especially bouncing and going under.  When I came around the corner from drying my hair, she blindsided me with a big hug.  “Thank you teacher.  Thank you!” 

 

I’m so glad I was there to eavesdrop because I might have missed this moment. . .and there is not much better in this world than a hug from someone who’s five-and-three-thirds-years-old!

 

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