This is a story about how I found myself sharing the pool with a 90 year old man. It’s also about finding your rhythm, setting your own pace, and not worrying too much about what other people think in the process. It’s about small realisations that hold weight. But above everything it’s about people, and why I believe there is more that unites than divides us.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. This story has many layers.
Recently, I started swimming again. Even though it’s cold. Even though I’m out of practice. There’s something stronger that gets me there each time. The reason — it just feels great.
My last swimming stint was during the lockdown periods here in Victoria. I thought it was a good idea. What could go wrong?
A lot, apparently. I’d arrive at the pool on time for the 45 minute session I’d booked for. It started slowly at first, with a lump in my throat, swallowing water too quickly, but quickly developed into full blown swimming anxiety. I couldn’t get through the strokes because my breathing struggled. And with the entire pool swimming in unison full steam ahead, I was left clinging pathetically onto the lane dividers.
During my last swim in lockdown, I was sharing a lane with two middle aged men who shot me annoyed looks because I kept stopping half way. At one point, a life guard bent down next to me from the sidelines: “Are you ok?” “Just tired,” I replied. But it was so much more than that.
I didn’t go back after that.
But this autumn I tried again. And with the underlying Covid stress no longer present, my breathing has lightened up, and I can swim laps again. I can enjoy swimming laps again.
Today, I was back at the pool. I was doing my usual shtick of swapping lanes until I found the best lane partner, when I found myself sharing the lane with an old man. When I say ‘old,’ I mean, clearly at least 90 years old.
He was calmly doing his thing, slowly stretching through his strokes, slicing the water evenly, with steady precision. I watched him for a while, while I thought about his ability to be so present, so focused — like he was the only one there. This was a man on a mission, and he was comfortable taking his time.
Across the pool, in the hydrotherapy pool, a water aerobics class was underway. The teacher, also an elderly man, with white hair, and lean, brawn muscles, was leading a class made up entirely of women. Again the thought — people are interesting. What motivates us, anyway?
I watched as my 90 year old lane partner got out of the pool. He walked up the steps, and grabbed onto a waiting walker, and, hanging onto it firmly with his back hunched over, walked away.
How could he move so majestically in water, but need a walker to help him walk on ground?
I exited the pool with a touch of perspective. I can’t help feeling that we all have so much in common, despite our differences. If we could only pause from the hustle of life to see that. I know I’m usually far too preoccupied, maybe you are too?
In the car on the way home, this song came on my Spotify playlist. It felt appropriate, like completing the circle of my day. I cranked up the volume as I navigated peak hour traffic. I hope you enjoy it too.