Blog

May 30, 2024

In my childhood, I was fortunate to grow up near a small glacier lake named Deep Lake, nestled in the heart of central Minnesota. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and wildlife, I have countless fond memories of those formative years. Yet, amidst these joys, learning to swim presented a significant challenge.

Unlike my brothers and neighbors, who seemed to take to the water effortlessly, I struggled immensely. While they swam like fish, I felt like a drowned cat. Fear gripped me each time I approached the water, particularly the deep end that lay over 20 feet at the end of the dock. Even with a life jacket, I was plagued by thoughts of sinking to the lake's bottom.

This fear consumed me for years. I watched from the safety of the dock as others enjoyed the water, my feet dangling in the lake but my heart unable to take the plunge. Occasionally, I mustered the courage to cling to the ladder's steps, yearning to push away and join the fun. Yet, each attempt ended with me retreating back to the dock, gripped by fear.

My brothers and neighbors teased me playfully, unable to fathom my struggle with the seemingly simple act of swimming. I, too, was puzzled over my fear, unable to pinpoint any traumatic event that had instilled it. It was simply a fear of the unknown, amplified by my mind.

However, the desire to join in on the joy and freedom of swimming eventually overcame my fear. One day, I ventured out to our floating raft, taking small, hesitant movements. It was there that I discovered the trustworthiness of my life jacket, which became my constant companion for several summers. Gradually, I built enough confidence and stamina to swim without it, finally mastering the skill that had once seemed so daunting.

Looking back, I realize that my journey to learn to swim was not just about conquering a physical challenge but also about overcoming a mental barrier. It taught me the importance of facing my fears head-on and the rewards that come with perseverance.

When my children were learning to swim, they faced the same fears I once did. Luckily, I had mastered the technique of breaking down challenging tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. I enrolled them in swim lessons from a young age, allowing them to gradually become comfortable in shallow water while learning fundamental swimming skills before progressing to deeper areas.

Similarly, the journey of learning to read mirrors this approach. Just as some children effortlessly navigate the waters of literacy, others find themselves in need of support at every turn. For those who struggle, each step in the reading process becomes a challenge to overcome. From recognizing letters to forming words, every milestone is a victory, achieved through perseverance and the guidance of patient teachers and caregivers. Like learning to swim, mastering reading requires breaking down the skill into manageable parts, ensuring that each child progresses at their own pace, feeling safe and supported as they navigate the depths of the written word.