Wednesday, July 17, 2013

THE POOL

 On my way off the stairs
And, I, we are in and afloat.


Hot and humid enough?  My God........for the most part I stay in the A/C and avoid the heat and humidity.  This weather causes such havoc with MS symptoms.  I also learned some things about myself, having MS and being in water.

I can't swim any more.  I was stunned by this reality.

  I made it in to the pool and was in the four foot end.  I stretched out to swim from side to side and sank like a brick.  And I could not right myself upward to stand again either. My legs could not kick enough to keep me afloat and my arms could barely keep my head above water as my lower half sank.  I struggled to the side, spitting and sputtering water and once safe burst in to tears of relief and anger at how my body betrayed me.

I had NO idea I could not swim. In most all situations I can assess with amazing accuracy what I can and cannot do, like climbing a higher step or navigating about an outdoor landscape unfamiliar to my routine and so forth.  I never even considered NOT being able to swim.  I think my lack of self awareness was the most shocking because I pride myself on my intuitive sense and ability to assess risk, etc. Had I known.......or been aware, well.............

So, as you can see I have a two-whaled float device and also a large tire tube (not seen here), and my Skipp, (seen here), :-) ,   to keep my head above water, literally.  Little by little I will re-learn how to use my legs in water.  Who knew?

Also, finding my way to the pool over three decks and up and down stairs with and without railings and high steps in to the pool and out....I am refreshed, exhausted and cooled to the core afterwards and also my feet don't burn. Amen....

And so too the one year anniversary of my Mom's passing has come and gone this past July 13th.  Hard to believe it's been a whole year.  I miss her and remember her and feel her loving presence and spirit every day.

I put one of her favorite songs on FaceBook, sung in her native language-Italian, and by one of her favorite tenor-opera singing groups, Il Divo, "Hallelujah".......sit back and enjoy.......







16 comments:

Muffie said...

I never thought about whether I could swim or not. The last time I tried, I was okay, but I was still walking all right then. I'll have to check it out. Would you believe that I once swam competitively and was a life guard?!
Peace,
Muff

Jackie said...

Gail...Do you know how GLAD I am that you didn't jump into the deep end of the pool!! It wouldn't have crossed my mind either that I couldn't swim any more...and I am just so thankful that you are not seriously hurt or worse!
As the anniversary of your Mother's passing from here into Heaven has just recently come and gone, please know that I am thinking of you. She is and always will be with you in your heart.
With love,
Jackie

Gail said...

@JACKIE - I too am quite glad I didn't just dive in the 8 foot end!! Good Lord. I sauntered in via the stairs and clung to the sides 'cept when i ventured across and sank!!
AN ya Jackie, a whole year. gosh I miss that sweet lady. But she is with me always in all I do.
Love Gail
peace.....

Gail said...

@MUFFIE - I am still walking ok still but still could not get a good motion going to stay afloat. My God!
And yes, I so believe you were a competitive swimmer and life guard. I used to dance in recitals as a child AND as an adult, Oh my....
Love to you'
Gail
peace.....

Margie said...

Gail, your pool is wonderful, but I can only imagine the shock realizing that you now cannot swim.
I am sad for you :(
But I do hope you are still able to enjoy the beautiful pool.

How time flies, it's actually been a year since your mom passed.
I hope her memory is always a blessing.

Take good care.

Love
Margie
xx

Gail said...

@MARGIE - so good to "se" you. did go back in with the whale-float device pictured in my post. Phew...It really was a shock.
And my Mom is ever-present in my heart and in my life,
Love to you
Gail
peace....

Amanda said...

That must have been incredibly tough - I'm so sorry to hear this news.

Thinking of you always,
Amanda

Gail said...

HI AMANDA, thanks. I am better. I have my float devices and I went back in!
Love Gail
peace////

Scott said...

Gail: I suppose that this story could have been tragic if you had entered water too deep and only then realized you couldn't swim. Scary to think about! I sure hope you'll regain your ability to move in the water. In the meantime, keep a good hold on those whales!

I don't blame you a bit for gravitating toward water, even if you have to run a gauntlet of decks to get there. This weather is miserable!

Gail said...

@SCOTT - so glad you came by. And ya, good thing I was in the low end!! :-)
And I am getting my sea
legs back by using hte float devices. phew.
Stay cool
Love Gail
peace....

Just Be Real said...

Wow....Gail! Glad you did not jump either in the deep end.

Thanks for sharing always and being an encouragement. Blessings and hugs.

Gail said...

@GRACE so nice to have you visit. The pool is so refreshing now that I have my float devices I can relax. Phew. You and lil Grace be happy, k?
Love Gail/Annie
peace....

Just Be Real said...

((((Gail))))

Andy said...

Oh Gail, what an awful experience. I'm sure I would be the same (bursting into tears) with the shock of NOT being able to do something that I would previously consider so simple. My heart goes out to you.

But I'm glad that you are re-learning the art. It will be another achievement that you will add to your many.

Gail said...

@ANDY - yes, quite a shock but I am carrying on and re-learning how to keep afloat with my float aids :-) Skipp is my favorite!
Love Gail
peace.....

Just Be Real said...

Gail, thank you for sharing on my most recent post, Masking. Wow. Blessings.