First Swim Lesson

After pouring more wine into their glasses, Ariel and House continued to flip through page after page. They saw photos of Ginger with various family members (on her mom's side) doing various things.

Then House saw an interesting picture. He pointed it out and asked Ariel about it.

The smile that was on her face disappeared as she saw which he was referring to. "That was Ginger's first swimming lesson."

I remember it was the summer after she lost her first tooth. It was very hot that year. Ginger had been taken to the beach, but what she really wanted was to swim in a cool, motionless pool.

I had been avoiding signing her up for lessons because I just knew that she would get into all kinds of trouble in a pool. I mean, think about it. Not just the water and the sides (and bottom) to bounce off of, but the diving boards, pool toys, and floats.

But, seeing as she was going to be eight in a matter of months, I really couldn't deny her that pleasure anymore. So I signed her up.

We bought her a new bathing suit, she was so excited. I remember the big day had finally arrived, and I dropped her off at the pool, leaving the teacher and life guard direct orders not to take their eyes off her.

While I was at the gym, I figured I could work-out. Besides, then I'd be right there when they need me.

And need me they did. Not twenty minutes into the lesson did they send someone to the work-out room to get me.

I remember I immediately stopped what I was doing and practically ran to the pool. I was expecting the worst. All sorts of thoughts were running through my head.

Did she try to do something and hit her head? Did she splash or push someone under water? Did she dare someone to go to the deep end or remove their bathing suit?

I was so worried, so imagine my surprise when I see Ginger grinning up at me, standing beside the instructor. "What happened?" I asked.

The instructor just looked at me, and asked why I signed her up for lessons. I was confused, and told the man that I wanted her to learn to swim.

I remember Ginger giggled and said, "Silly Mommy. I know how to swim. Gramps taught me last summer when you were busy."

I was shocked to say the least. I asked her why she didn't tell me that. Her answer?

"I wanted to jump off the board."

I must have looked confused, because the instructor then clarified her answer. "I turned my back for two seconds to help a young boy, and the next thing I know, she's jack-kniving off the diving board."

I just wordlessly wrapped a towel around her, brought her home, couldn't help but take her picture, and then called my dad to ask why he didn't tell me.

"What was his answer?" House asked curiously.

Ariel gave a small sigh and replied, "Ginger said you knew."