In a few weeks I will be moving half way across the country so tonight was the last night at the pool for me. I mentioned to some of my pool friends that it was my last night not thinking much of it and ended up having a really good conversation about life with two ladies there.
As I was swimming my laps I was reflecting on how important the pool has been for me over the past two years since I began swimming in this specific pool.
I have had a rough, but overall good two years. The pool has been something that I have been able to do for myself once a week and has been something that I have enjoyed. I find the water calming to my muscles and to my spirit even if I am out of breath after swimming laps for an hour or so.
The friends I started with in the pool are not the friends I ended up with in the pool. It is interesting to me that not one of the friends I first went to the pool with are still swimming but that in place of them the LORD has given me the opportunity to befriend other people.
Gerry gave me her address before I left the pool and wanted mine. The pool supervisor gave me a really big hug and kiss as I was leaving (I wasn't expecting that) and with tears in her eyes told me to "change the world, General."
So this is my ode to my pool friends:
To Gerry: keep going to your PT and swimming with that noodle..and thanks for making me laugh with, "Oh my gawd...the wudder is sooo cold Manika!"
To Peter (retired Episcopalian priest): get your laps in, Peter, and thanks for encouraging me. I, too, understand that the water is cold.
To Peter's wife: I'm sorry he talked to me more than you. Hopefully you two will talk more in the pool now that I will not be there.
To Monica: thanks for putting Jack Johnson on while we all swam. We always miss the nights when you aren't guarding.
To Matt: don't worry...if you get wet you will dry. It's a good thing you are wearing swim trunks just in case you did get wet from your chair.
To the guy who got divorced this past fall and comes swimming for social interaction and to check out the chicks: God bless you.
To the Chinese family with the twin boys (they are SOOO cute!): Congrats on not needing floaties around your arms anymore. Keep working on that doggie paddle!
To the Ukranian mom with a son about 11 or 12: why do you wear white pants to the pool every Monday night knowing that you are going to get wet? May you get some other pants.
To the young family with the little girl and baby: I encourage you to continue your family time at the pool. What a beautiful thing to do as a family.
To the old guy who always swims in the same lane and has never uttered a word to anyone in the past two years: I hope you have a voice.
To the pool supervisor: I hope everything works out with your mortgage. Keep on keepin on...
To the other pool supervisor: Your niece is adorable. I will remember for a long time when her dad was home from Iraq and came to see her swim in the pool.
