I'm sure the first words out of the Dr.'s mouth when I was born weren't "It's a swimmer!", nevertheless that was life's ultimate plan for the years ahead. All growing up we spent summers in our grandma's pool and for a lot of us Gram would be our first coach. With my brother and sister along with cousins we would learn basic technique and the water became our second home. 'Reunions' were weekly if not daily. Swimming was my first love but sometimes life forces us to give up the things we love. At the age of 3 I was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure, more specifically Prune Belly; A kidney disease effecting 1 in 40,000. Attacking the immune system, reducing energy, and holding kidney function at 12-14% getting out of bed in the morning is nothing short of a miracle and everyday truely a blessing. When I was a Jr. in high school my swimming times began to slip and at first I didn't pay it much attention but I soon realized I was headed down a difficult road, a road that only went in one direction. Physically I didn't feel any different and for the next several weeks I wrestled with myself as I practiced. "Should I stay? Is it worth it anymore? What about the team?" Failure was knocking at my door and threatening what I loved. Without my hand on the knob the door opened and passion died. There was a moment standing waist deep in the water inbetween sets, everything slowed down and reality settled in my heart and sank to the bottom of the pool. Failure was not a choice but something I had to accept...or so I thought. For years after quiting the team I was bitter and angry, I didn't want to swim or even hear about swimming. I dont think my family understood where I was and quite frankly neither did I. Part of me died when I left and for those who have had a broken heart for whatever reason understand what I mean. Somewhere along the way my brother started to dabble in triathlons and other athletic events, soon my sister joined and before I knew it I had been sucked in as well. Emersed in a new journey, high school was in the past and another chapter in life was starting. Bitterness melted away and anger faded. "If you love something, set it free..." I don't recall who originally said this but for me this came true. I had a renewed love and a refined understanding and acceptance of the past. I moved on and gained a burning desire to rise above circumstance. Before I layed down and didn't fight, life will always find ways to knock us down but we only lose when we give up or give in. I'll push through the pain, I'll kick a little longer, I'll reach a little farther...I'll swim towards redemption

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Cold Record

                                                                                                   11-23-11

     This week the Wasatch Front Polar Bear Club headed out for a Thanksgiving swim at the Great Salt Lake.  I met Josh, Gordon, and Goody around 4:15 at the Marina, a little earlier so we had some daylight left for our swim.

     Gordon went in first and did two laps to the mouth of the Marina and back, about 700 yards.  Goody got in next and did one lap of the same for about 350 yards.  The third swimmer was Josh who did the same as Gordon, 700 yards.  Then it was my turn.

     We took turns swimming as an extra safety precaution so going last I was already cold before getting in.  I wanted to have a good swim but I was having doubts about how much I'd be able to do, and watching the first 3 members walk down the ramp and non-chalantly wade into was intimidating.

     When I made my way into the water I was surprised at how 'easy' it was.  It was cold but bearable and I didn't have any problems with hyperventilating which I think is a first for me.  When I started to swim it was a different sensation than I've had in the past.  I didn't have that strange sort of comfort in the cold that I've experienced last year and so far this year in cold water.  This time my body stung and was uncomfortable, but somehow I managed to stay in and set a new personal record for distance in 49 degrees with .16 miles(300 yards).