Once I decided I would learn to swim it took me 8 months to show up. Even though I never lost my desire, it took me that long to stop giving myself a way out.

I had two sources of inspiration, Zyla Rose a 3-year old who was fearlessly learning to swim, and the awesome Ellis Brown, a swimmer who represents Baltimore in the National Senior Games. I even had a personal motivation to succeed, which was to one day swim with my grandkids instead of sitting on the side watching.

I set several criteria that had to be met. The pool had to be heated, the location close to home, and the instructor must be patient. I called around, but most places were either too far away or the price did not fit my budget. Then I discovered Fraim Center for Active Adults. It was located in my area and the price was right. After 3 more months of stalling, I worked up the courage to go in and check it out. The Center had something for everyone from Wii Bowling, to various exercise classes, a workout room, and water activities. I was so impressed with what I saw and the friendliness of everyone I met that I left Fraim as a full member.

To get acclimated to being in water, I first took a water exercise class. The instructor would take us across the pool doing various movements. I had several challenges. I didn’t realize how buoyant I’d be in the water. Not being able to get my feet under me to stand up gave me a fit. Also, the resistance of the water worked against me. When going across, I’d be the last one to the other side. I’m thinking, dang, does everybody here above the age of 80 have to show me up? To make matters worse, I was always falling. Not a silent fall but one with full sound effects… whoooaaaa, loudly announcing every time I went down. Later, in the locker room, the cutest little old lady encourage me. Now I felt like a true athlete, for she stood there draped in a towel, asking questions and giving me a pep talk. (Like a professional after-game locker room interview!)

Finally, it was the day of my swim lesson. There were four of us in my first class, all 60+ non-swimmers with various levels of fear of the water. Our teacher, Aime, first taught us water safety. To firmly plant our feet and be able to stand up, keep water from going up in our nose, to float on our stomach, and to roll over onto our backs. Because of her skill and patience, each of us reached a level of confidence that eventually had us in ten feet, floating on our backs and treading water. (Also, the lifeguards were excellent and watched us like hawks!)

Thanks to Aime’s encouragement, I have come quite a ways from where I first started. She has a way of saying things then I just go along with it. One day she said, “I want to teach you to dive.” I gulped and said okay, then there I am falling headfirst into ten feet of water. Recently she gave me a 500-yard lap routine (my normal is 300 yards) she says, “You can do it.” Amie was right, now that is my normal routine. I set and achieved several goals. I am now comfortable and able to swim in deep water. On our last vacation, I joined hubby Darrel in the pool. During Family Day at Fraim, I swam with my grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. I even beat granddaughters, Azariah and Kyajah in a race. (I spanked ‘em LOL)

The Corona Virus closed us down for several months, but Fraim is now open with safety protocols in place. Normally, there are no more than 7 people in the pool at one time, and I’m back swimming laps three times a week. I have set new goals for myself and I’m sure Aime has some challenges waiting for me as well. Maybe one day I’ll blog that Aime had me jump off the high dive. We all know by now when it comes to swimming if Aime thinks I can, I will!

Amanda