The organization for special needs adults came to the pool today for free swim during camp time. I absolutely love them - they are always so friendly and happy to be there. I can't help but smile the whole time they are there. Today I made a new friend, a speaking impaired man. While he was cautiously walking down the stairs into the water I said, "Good morning, how are you today?" He responded with a nod and a smile and a little grunt; it was then that I understood that he couldn't talk. He pointed to me and I just said, "Yep, I'm the lifeguard!" And I went about guarding the rest of my pool while he wandered around. He was next to the guard stand in the water and I saw him waving at me, trying to get my attention. I looked down and he had written his name with water on the side walk. He was pointing to himself and smiling. I replied, "Oh that's your name! Hello Phil, nice to meet you!" He was visibly excited and then pointed at me again. I now understood that was his way of asking me my name (a lot of the other adults really love to ask what our names are and introduce themselves). I told him my name and he smiled and clapped his hands before walking away to continue doing his thing.
I was left with a warmth in my heart that he had gone to such lengths just to learn my name, despite his obvious obstacles. I don't think I would have ever thought to write my name with water on the ground if I was incapable of communicating it to someone else.
Less than five minutes later, Tom, one of the adults I know from years passed got in the water and I said, "Good morning Tom! How's the water?" and he replied that it was good and then said, raising his arms up toward the sky, "There's lots of sunshine!" Smiling back at him, I said, "You are right, there is, just for you guys!" And he continued swimming on his way. Again, I'm left astounded by the joy that they emit. Sometimes that's all you need, to just smile and enjoy the sunshine.
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