I remember the day I turned 16. I just got out of school and to my surprise my brother pulled up in his car and told me to get in. It was odd that he showed up, but I never questioned it. I thought my lucky day, he never picks me up. Well, to my surprise he was taking me for my 365. That’s what a driver’s learners permit was called. I’ve been driving since. Driving is one of those skills you need in your life that make life easier, and a little more fun. What other skills do we learn along the way? How about riding a bike? I know I can. I have a memory of a white bike with training wheels with a little license plate on the front of it. Skating? To the dismay of my first Louie League hockey team that came when I was 26. I wanted to play hockey bad enough that I signed up to play goalie without knowing how to skate! And who could forget learning to swim? I can’t, cause it just happened!

Since the beginning of October I’ve been swimming Monday nights in an adult learn to swim. I have to say it’s been pretty good. I feel comfortable with the backstroke and can comfortable complete at least one length of the pool. I found out today that I can tread water. Apparently it’s easier in deeper water. Who knew that knowing that I can’t touch the bottom would help me stay above the water? As for the front crawl… a work in progress.

Why didn’t I swim? Two reasons. As a kid I never put any value in going swimming. We’d go to the rec centre swimming but I don’t ever remember wanting to attempt a deep end test. I guess I had fun no matter what part of the pool I was in. The second reason had to do with my parents. My dad, he swam like a fish. I remember going to the beach with him as a kid and he’d go so far out we couldn’t see him. My mom, on the other hand, did not swim, period. When I was older I asked her why she didn’t insist on having me learn. Her response was because she couldn’t save me. I guess she didn’t put much faith in life guards.

When the kids were toddlers I made sure they received swimming lessons. They are comfortable in the water, and can swim. It’s about time I did the same for me. Now, I see what I have been missing. Like driving, riding a bike, or skating it’s something you just need to do.

Thanks for reading and happy adventuring!