STRUGGLING WITH SERENDIPITY
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failing, again and again

3/1/2017

10 Comments

 
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(This blog tells my family's story. To see more, click "blog" at the top of this webpage.)

“For the first time, I began training with swim coaches,” Beth said at 16. “I am one of two swimmers with a disability on GTAC (Greater Toledo Aquatic Club).”
           
Beth drove us in her little blue car to swim practice once a week; the GTAC pool was an hour’s drive away. She was a good driver, and sometimes joked with a quote from Rain Man: “I am an excellent driver.” Even so, when another driver cut her off on the highway, I couldn’t stop myself from crying out. I was instantly transported to the anguish and fear of the accident. I quickly apologized for my reaction and praised her for handling the close call well.
 
During a long morning practice, a coach sometimes jumped in the lane with her to better direct and experiment, since no instructions existed for teaching a quad to swim. They worked on her backstroke. The afternoon of the same day, we drove across town to St. Vincent, the hospital where she had stayed in intensive care. Her idea, not mine.
           
“I volunteered in the outpatient physical therapy department for one afternoon a week,” Beth said.
 
“This was a particularly interesting assignment for me since I was still going to outpatient physical therapy as a patient at a different hospital closer to my home. I liked being busy with bed-making and clerical work, and it was easy to relate to the staff and patients.”
           
Beth initiated visits to the Tiffin YMCA pool with me where she approached every practice on her own with a singular focus: swimming forward, not back. With hands that could not cup the water and useless legs that dragged behind, she tried to propel her arms underwater in front of her body. Not attempting a swim stroke, she concentrated on just forward motion several seconds/inches at a time, undeterred by the sheer difficulty of what looked impossible. When her arms faltered and she couldn’t keep her head above water, she rolled on her back to breathe and to get to the wall where she took a break before trying again...and failing again. And again.              
                     
After only a handful of GTAC practices, we drove to her first competition as a member of the club.
 
The Ohio Senior Meet in Athens took place one month after Seattle. Still shy, Beth rarely practiced with swimmers her own age, so she stayed close to me at the meet instead of hanging out with the other GTAC teenagers in a designated corner. Swimmers amassed everywhere. Beth took the lead when we had to pass through the crowd. She repeated “excuse me” until she said it loudly enough to pass by. Sometimes she reached up and tapped someone lightly with her fist to get their attention. In the packed bleachers, some of the moms were perfectly coiffed and dressed to a T. Never fancy, I was easily intimidated. I was learning that club membership involved expensive dues, swim gear, meet fees, and a wide range of travel-related costs.
 
The backstroke was Beth’s only option at the Ohio Senior Meet. During a race, she swam the final leg by herself. She didn’t swerve in the lane as she had in Seattle four weeks before.
 
The crowd on the deck and in the bleachers applauded as she finished.
 

10 Comments
Marsha Bilger
3/2/2017 10:31:09 am

Once again, very inspirational!

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D. M. Newlun link
3/2/2017 04:56:58 pm

Such strength and determination! I look forward to reading more about your journey with your daughter.

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Maria
3/2/2017 06:14:13 pm

Beautifully written!!

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Nikki
3/2/2017 08:04:19 pm

As a Mom, I like to read how you were changing and adapting too. You both are so strong. You have not failed and have such perseverance.

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Nana Becky link
3/3/2017 01:21:05 am

Cindy I am in awe of your strength and resolve. You and Beth are such and inspiration. I look forward to reading and learning more from your stories. Thank you!

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Debra link
3/3/2017 08:05:52 am

I continue to be in awe of both you and Beth! As a mother, your intuitive understanding of what she needed to grow and succeed both amazes and inspires me. Your beautiful relationship is so evident in your stories. Thanks for another great read.

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Jill Howard
3/3/2017 08:59:14 am

Another tear-jerker! Great writing and, again, I love reading about all this. Such inspiration.

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Kathryn Johnson link
3/3/2017 09:28:57 am

Beth is a strong and beautiful girl. She is stronger, and wiser than many I know at her age. Her disability doesn't define her, it makes her shine brighter than so many I know who don't have her courage, or even the will or desire to make things happen in their lives. I feel proud when I read about her contributions to society, her ups and downs, and yours as her mom. She is a teen making her way in life. Her life is going to be a fantastic one. I love your blog.

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Sarah Hourihan link
3/7/2017 10:39:33 am

Your daughter is such an inspiration. Her courage and strength and drive are amazing. Thankfully she has such a strong mom to lead her on. Enjoy your inspiring blog!

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Cindy Kolbe link
3/8/2017 09:29:46 am

Wow! ThAnK YoU for all of your kind comments! How wonderful to have devoted blog followers and friends! Your support means more than I can say. Stay tuned for more of my family's story. :-)

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    Cindy Kolbe

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