by Andrea Cronrod

Created on: December 20, 2009

THE LAST SWIM

Driving along Highway AIA, the early morning sun glistened on the water. The ocean looked unusually calm, though oftentimes little waves can send you tumbling onto shore.

Returning home, I quickly changed into my bathing suit next to my minivan in the driveway. Known for spontaneity, I planned to ride my scooter to the crossover at the park and find someone to carry me down to the water. A few weeks ago, a friend and a stranger helped me, and with my confidence boosted, I decided to seek assistance on my own.

“Excuse me, sir, feel free to refuse, but would you be able to help me down to the water so I can swim? I will be leaving Florida tomorrow and it would make me happy if I could get in the water today.”

“I would be glad to. Let me go throw my coffee cup in the trash,” he replied, with a big smile on his face.

“I can walk down the stairs,” I answered, “and if you could carry me across the sand, wait for me while I swim, and then carry me back up the crossover would be great. You don’t have any back problems, do you?”

“My back has been good for awhile so it should be fine.”

Using his shoulder for support on one side and the railing on the other, we slowly proceeded down the steep steps. I was thrilled to be on the sand again and venturing towards the water.The waves looked harmless, and after awkwardly carrying me on his back to the shoreline, he lowered me into the shallow water. There was no discomfort from the coolness and though it was murky from all the recent rain, it soothed my body and soul.

“I can crawl and swim from here. Will you wait for me?” I inquired like a child fearful of abandonment.

“I will be right here,” he replied.

Yesterday, I swam in my friend Dawn’s pool, so I knew it would be necessary to take it easy and not over exert my easily fatigued body. Back and forth, freestyle, crawl, kicking legs in different motions, circles with my feet, up and down, all around, to working my underused limbs and torso. There is something spectacular about being in the water when the sun is rising and shining its glory. The kindly gentleman was standing at the water’s edge looking around as I yelled to him.

“Are you okay, can I stay longer?”

“Take your time,” he affirmed.

 After enjoying myself for twenty minutes, I decided to swim towards shore so as not to over kick and further impede my already challenged

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