J started swimming lessons when he was a baby. 3 months old and falling asleep at the end of a lesson because he was tired and content. I met an awesome bunch of Mums too, who allowed me a safe place to be me. While going through the ups and downs of parenting a neurodivergent child.
We had to have a break when J kept having multiple ear infections, so bad that his little ear drum would burst and gross liquid would flow from his ear. 😬
Then along came J's little brother, L, and we had to stop as we couldn't afford it. Trying to work enough to pay a mortgage and have 2 children in childcare, it was too much. However, the owner Miss J, wouldn't accept that.
She knew how important swimming was, from a therapy perspective, for Master J. So, we were able to keep going at no charge. I'm not sure Miss J understands how grateful I am for that period. We kept therapy going and kept teaching the importance of pool safety.
As soon as we could stretch the budget again, we paid for our lessons and also enrolled L.
The progress, oh my goodness, the PROGRESS! The first time J "monkeyed" around the pool by himself (when previously I would manually place each of his hands, one at a time, to help him) - I bawled. Kept my sunglasses on and literally bawled my heart out.
When J first started floating on his back without screaming bloody murder. Huge deal!
When J first managed to use his core muscles and climb out of the pool by himself - Lots of cheering, clapping and tears of pure and unfiltered joy.
Seeing him swim a few strokes, then roll on to his back in order to catch his breath. AMAZING!
Diving into the pool fluently and not flopping in like a cannon ball - More cheering.
Seeing him do strokes, more confidently & swimming further. Seeing him in our neighbours pool with joy on his face and confidence in his movements. Just THE BEST.
Thank you, Miss J, for everything you have done for our family and for giving me the gentle push I needed to start blogging J's journey. I hope I can give parents some hope!
J & L, fight like brothers, but also have each other's backs.
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