The Day My Son Learned to Swim

My son was scared of the water for years. He'd sit on the edge of the pool with his feet dangling and refuse to go any further. This summer, at seven, he finally decided it was time.

His swim teacher was a teenage lifeguard named Devon, who was endlessly patient. They started with blowing bubbles. Then floating, with Devon's hand under his back. Then kicking along the edge.

On the last day of lessons, Devon stood in the middle of the pool and said, "Swim to me." My son hesitated. He looked at me. Then he pushed off the wall and swam, splashing wildly, all the way to Devon.

He came up gasping and grinning. Devon high-fived him. The other parents clapped. My son climbed out of the pool and ran to me, dripping, and said, "Did you see? I swam!" I saw. I'll never forget it.