Category: Ford

I sat on a little wooden bench this morning, Chas on my lap, beside the swim class. I decided that Ford needed a nudge. He wouldn’t get away with negotiating or opting out of the coach’s instructions. It took preparation, but I was ready for the work.

So we took a jog this morning, both kids in the twinner, and I coached him on the challenges he’d have to face. I told him it would be difficult, but that he would do it anyway. After all, that’s the definition of a challenge. We talked about all the things he could do once he was able to swim: we could kayak on Town Lake, ride in Papi’s pirough in the bay.

Lo! Did it help. Spastically joyful after each effort, Ford squirmed all over the pool steps and shouted silliness. He made me so proud, I think I wore a smile for hours afterwards.

Ford, 5.28.2006. Blanton Museum of Art; Austin.

Ford is so challenging. He was the only kid today with dry hair at the end of swim class; he refuses to bob underwater. Through the glass door I watched him dismiss the coach’s instructions with a wave and an upturned nose. I wanted to step in and dunk him, myself. This is why I’m paying someone else to teach him to swim; separating my feelings from the task is difficult. All I want him to do is try. But the child just doesn’t want to swim yet.