I write this in the hope that it encourages others. One never is too old to learn anything or overcome a fear!
For many years I was absolutely terrified of water. I don't know where it came from - but I was!!
Anyway, when I was 22 years of age I finally managed to swim - but only on my back. I could duck under the water and, once, I swam the width of the child's pool completely underwater - but I could never swim on my front.
If I could, I would do anything to get out of going to the baths as, even though I could swim on my back, I still hated the water - especially swallowing it, which I had a tendency to do!!
As you all know, I've been ill these past three years and haven't been able to do much, but last week I received news that I was in remission. My darling wife, Claire, goes to the local sports centre - which is a minute's walk from our house - regularly to use its pool (she only learnt to swim properly herself recently - which made me immensely proud). Occasionally, Claire would be accompanied by my sister, Sandra, or by my younger son, Dominic. I was missing out!
Well, this morning Claire asked me if I'd like to go for a swim and this time I was determined to get in the water! We went into the smaller of the two pools, which is only about four feet deep from one end to the other. As usual, I started on my back and made my way to where Claire was at the other end of the pool - where she'd arrived after doing the crawl splendidly!
I turned around, looked at the far end of the pool and told myself "Go for it!"
I pushed myself off and started to do the breast-stroke - and completed it - twice! Yay!!
OK, no big deal for most people here, no doubt, but for me a long-lasting fear has been conquered. I finally learnt to swim at the age of 53!!
I actually think my having been seriously ill gave me an inner strength for I was determined to fully enjoy my life now and not let anything get in my way. YOU can do it, too!
Love,
Ian
