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It all begins round Memorial Day. As I trip my bike into the Ridgeland Common parking zone, I hear the rhythmic splash-splash-splash and see elbows within the air by way of the black mesh fence.
The ritual of summer time lap swim has begun.
Young and outdated, robust swimmers and learners, all collect for somewhat train and the prospect to swim laps beneath the sky.
As I enter the pool space, I search for acquainted faces and peruse the lanes — Slow, Medium, and Fast. I search for area within the Medium lanes. Lane 4 has 5 folks already and Lane 5 has solely 4, so I select Lane 5.
I placed on my cap, seize my goggles and snorkel and enter the water. So refreshing on a scorching day. But equally good on a cool day, when the water feels heat.
I start what’s for me a bi-weekly transferring meditation — transferring by way of the water, typically counting my strokes, being attentive to my respiratory, listening to songs in my head, like Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” once I see the bows and flows of angel-hair clouds whereas doing the again stroke.
After my swim, I chat with pals and strangers on the pool deck. There are plenty of regulars, many who come day-after-day. Somehow there are lots of academics and retired academics. It’s a bit of summer time trip. We even rejoice “National Life Guard Appreciation Day” on July 31. Everyone cheers and thanks all of the younger individuals who vigilantly watch over us all summer time.
Fast ahead to Labor Day. The final day the pool is open and the final day of lap swim, this time at Rehm. It’s crowded at this time. So many have come for his or her final probability to lap swim this season.
As I collect my belongings after an excellent swim, I overhear conversations: “It’s been a pleasure swimming with you this year.” “See you next summer, I guess.” “It’s so sad that it’s the last day,” and “There’s nothing like swimming outside.”
Mary Scherer-Emunds
Oak Park
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