-
-
As someone organizing an event, it may sometimes be hard to see the positive impact on people’s lives because attendees come and leave, and that’s all that’s visible. I had been excited about the swim for weeks. Every training swim, Grimaldo was there, waiting at the mental horizon.
I’m bad with names. The first swim angel was so wonderful. By the first buoy, the field had passed me. He came to check on me and then gave me company.
We might not have talked, but it was so helpful! My cervical spine is fused. So it’s hard to sight ahead. But with him at the side, I knew where to go. And then his rhythm set the pace for me. It made it so much easier. At one point, my reference point on land didn’t seem to move. It seemed like the current was stronger. That’s when the company really helped to keep going.
The support at the end of the race was amazing. The kayaker kept telling me one more bouy! I couldn’t even see the thing, but the encouragement worked. A new swim angel supported me. When I reached the bouy, it felt like a herd of kayakers was around me. At this point, my sense of gravity was so distorted that I couldn’t tell up from down. My goggles were fogged up. In that disorientation, my wonderful open water clinic instructor had come in the water and called out: “This way!” She walked me over the finish line.
Thank you so, so much for getting this last duckling home! I appreciate all the effort that goes into organizing, all the help from the angels, and good vibes from swimmers!
-
-
-
