This summer we spent a good deal of time around pools. My granddaughter is on a swim team, so I spent time observing and my daughter and son-in-law are living in a rent house with a pool while they build their house. Pool parties were the norm these last two summers as having a pool means social events, which suits my daughter perfectly.
I have not owned a real bathing suit in a while, and with my healthy lifestyle change, and the loss of over 35 pounds, anything I did own was old, ragged and hung on me. As I walked around with a wet bathing suit, the bottoms hung and it looked like I had pooped my pants. I decided to buy a new bathing suit. Up to this point, I was wearing a sports bra, shorts, and a t-shirt. I was delighted when the bathing suit came in. I put it on and went in the pool sitting calmly on the steps inching my way in until just my chin was above water. As I did I noticed, I could not breathe as well. I wondered if it was the pressure of the water against my chest. I mentioned something to someone, and we figured it might be the bathing suit. I stuck both hands in the underside of the top and lifted it out and indeed I could breath better. The new bathing suit was a waste of money. I would not be able to wear it again.
One day I came across this inflatable bull for the pool and showed it to my daughter. The next time I came they had purchased it. It floated in the pool alongside the swan and the floating chair I purchased last year. My son-in-tried the bull and fell off several times. I pulled it over to the steps in the deep end and tried it myself. Please note: I’m not on oxygen all the time, though I take it with me wherever I go. I can have a coughing attack that leaves me breathless and a little blue. I also work out every day even through my diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease. Climbing on the bull was a bit tricky but I was convinced my daily yoga balance and core strength would assist. I was wrong. I fell in, which on a normal day, with a normal person would be nothing. However, You can see from the picture that the ring is very high. One would not see the head of a person in trouble if that person were between the bull and the ring. That is the way it was for me. I was amazed at how little energy and breath I had once I hit the water, and I was in the deep end, so I had to tread water. I was too weak to lift the massive contraption over me and to out of breath to try and go underwater and swim or climb on top. There was a moment where I was a bit concerned. I could see the headline; “Grandmother drowns in the pool as other played nearby.” I could hear the voice of my daughter, and I called out to her. “I need help,” I said. She did it without thinking anything of it. I don’t think she knew how it freaked me out.
This is not me. I am strong, I have energy. Well, I did last year. I realize that I have limitations. There is a good chance with this disease, because it is progressive, that I will have more limitations.
Later, I tried to switch to the pool chair that I bought last year. I climbed into it and began to float around and realized. I can’t do this either. Posture has become very important to me lately and being hunched over in any capacity is uncomfortable. I got out and passed my chair to another who put their drink in the cup holder and happily floated around.
So no bull, things have changed in one year.
Thankful for time spent with family. I’m so grateful I’m here even if it just putting my feet in. I get to watch my granddaughter and kids and their friends enjoy themselves. Thank you God for this year.
Psuche