Swimming 101

It's that time of year.  Time to spend every free minute in the water to cool off from this awful heat we've been having.  When I was a kid, my dad built our swimming pool.  It was a lot of work, which we helped with, but it was where I have some of my best memories.  My sisters and I literally woke up each morning, put on our swimsuits, picked the garden, then jumped in for a morning swim.  Followed by lunch, more chores, and another quick swim.  We were then required to stay inside during the real heat of the day which was complete torture.  We had to actually watch TV or take a nap... yuk!!! Then as it began cooling off, we went out for more work either with Dad or just around the house (mind you we were still sporting our swim wear).  Then it was time for our evening swim.  We would swim until mom practically drug us out for dinner.  Oh those were the days...
This summer we have been lucky enough to let Ry have swim time.  And we've made the most of it.  Last summer she never once was able to get in the water because of her PICC line.  At age 2 1/2 it felt like such a terrible thing to have to give up, but honestly she didn't know any different.  It was Gilly and I who hated it the most.
But this year, nothing has stood in our way.  We've been to the city pool, Gigi's pool, Mimi's pool, the neighbor's pool, and the list goes on...
We began a few weeks ago with swim lessons.  Ry took to these much like she has any of her therapies.  She cried through the whole thing!  However, even through the tears, she obeyed Ms. Holland and held her breath every time she went under.  I've posted a few videos for your pleasure, it's pretty funny!

Here she is on the first day

Just a few days later

And on her last day

She is now doing wonderful and loves the water!  She still has a long way to go before I'd say she's swimming, but she's not afraid and tries really hard, she is doing great!

This summer, this moment, is truly the happiest I've ever been in my life.  I wake each morning with Gilly and Ry here together and we fall asleep each night just the same.  Ry is happy!  So happy!  And that makes me happy.
Sure there are still chores, bills and everyday things.  There are even those worries about the future of Rylynn's health that are very real and sometimes overwhelming.  There are days when I drive in my car and suddenly become overwhelmed with emotion that it makes me cry (usually because I'm thinking back about the days in the hospital or because I'm thinking of our dear donor family or because I'm thinking of our heart friends and their struggles).  But even through all these fears, I am happy!  We have a wonderful family and group of friends and through this journey we've made new friends that we're glad to know.  I am thankful for my life.  I am thankful for Rylynn and Gilly.  I am thankful for God's mercies and miracles.  May you all have the chance to experience true happiness.  If even for just a moment, because we never know how long these moments will last.