And let’s not forget the blood shot eyes. Ah yes, the swimming season is here. When I was growing up it went like this: school’s out, Vacation Bible School begins. After a week VBS ends and swimming lessons begin. This would all take place at the end of May, the first part of June.
As I write this, June 7, 2008, I am wearing a sweatshirt. It’s a bit chilly here in the mornings, sometimes the afternoons, and sometimes the evenings. Sweatshirts are my friend.
From what I remember, we were in the lake almost as soon as the ice went out. Well, I know my sister, Laura, was, but she was always the, “I dare you,” person. And I was usually right behind her.
What were we thinking? For the love of freezing cold what were we doing out in the water? Swimmin’. Having fun. We couldn’t wait until the Lundstroms put out their raft; which was usually the first week of June. Cold water didn’t have nothing on us and Mother knew she couldn’t depend on a lifeguard. We were on our own which was a-okay with us. We had learned our lessons well. Laura earned her Senior Life Savior badge and the rest of us earned our Juniors. And yes I mean Savior.
We were fish, raised to be fish. Although our Mother did not know how to swim, she made sure that all of her tadpoles took swimming lessons. She did have ulterior motives. All through the summer months, we dug the worms and made the peanut butter sandwiches and the koolaid so we could go fishing with Mom. She always took one of us with her. We learned early how to row the boat, aiming at the best fishin’ spots. And if for some reason a malady of some sort would occur, at least one of us knew how to swim. There is nothing like sunnies for supper.
Which takes me back to the weather and how cold the water really is. Why didn’t it bother us when we were kids? Why didn’t the transparent skin, blue lips, and bloodshot eyes bother us when we were kids? We could stay in that cold drink forever and it never seemed to bother us. I guess kids have an advantage that I certainly do not have now. Must have lost it somewhere along the way because the last thing I want to do right now is to jump into Pebble Lake or any other lake for that matter. Yikes! Lifeguard or no, I want that water about 68 degrees. Does that ever happen anymore? But still, I would rather swim in a lake than in a swimming pool. Minnesota should not have swimming pools. That’s just my opinion.
Article written by OhYou, a member of FergusForum.com
