Our City opened outdoor public pools this week and T and I leapt into its refreshing water this afternoon like reuniting with an old friend.
It brought me so much joy to see how giddy he got in the water, the first swim since early March.
We’ve always gone to indoor pools, but we’re not about to get fussy about swimming outdoor.
The City set it up so the pool is opened at the top of every hour for 45 minutes. Then it closes for 15 minutes of cleaning and opens again.
People line up outside using markings on the ground that are two metres apart.
When guests get inside, a lifeguard asks a short set of assessment questions (e.g. “Do you have a fever?”) before letting you proceed.
Indoor change rooms are not available. Good to know for next time!
The second I gave T the permission to go in the water, he ran right in.
I loved seeing how much fun T was having. Splashing water, dunking his head in – I told him beforehand to keep his mouth closed – and chasing me while pretending to be a shark.
The water was cold and the scorching sun had vanished behind thick dark clouds.
I thought back to when the hubby and I first took T swimming when he was a toddler and he cried because the water was so cold and we had to cut swim time short. How much he has since grown!
There were only two other families at the pool; eight people, including T and I, so physical distancing was not hard to do!
T asked if he could jump off the ledge. I told him to ask the lifeguard. And he did in his meek voice. Very politely, I might add.
The dark clouds burst open for a few minutes, drenching us from above and it felt glorious. And soon after, the blue skies returned.
The 45 minutes flew by very quickly.
After our swim, I took us to McDonald’s drive thru – plain sundae for him and ice coffee for me.
It felt just like the old days. But I am very aware we are still in a pandemic – and to remain cautious and safe.
I intend to do that, while also embracing the new liberties being allowed by City officials.
I know it did a world of good for T to be in that pool. We’re moving forward for T with a balance of physical safety and overall wellbeing.
When we got home tonight, I let him have free time on the tablet while I lounged quietly catching up on the news.
We had a homemade cheesecake – my very first! – which T and I baked together earlier in the day.
The first week of summer break for T is off to a wonderful start!
A big heartfelt thanks to the lifeguards and everyone who worked hard to bring this service back for everyone. It is so appreciated!
Miss swimming by the pool . The last time my son & I went swimming was in Texas in 2015. Perhaps one day. Have a great weekend. Regards to your beautiful family. 🙏
Thank you. We’ve been going a lot. 4 times a week. It’s the best part of my day. And his. Makes me so happy to see his smile. 🙂 Hope you get to enjoy another father and soon swim one day soon!
An amazing day! Swimming pool and later cheesecake!!! Oh wow 🤩 you guys are great! Now, focus on holiday Ab… I think you certainly deserve the time off. Have lots of fun.
Thank you, Andi. It was a great day. Today is Canada Day, so we have the day off. And nothing but family relaxation time is planned. 🙂 Have a great day too!
Happy Canada Day to you all 😃 Enjoy!
What an uplifting post! It must have felt so good to have a somewhat normal day and to have the pool almost to yourselves was wonderful! See there are good points to this virus…lol Tell T his cheesecake looks delicious!
Thanks Diane! Will tell T for sure. He did a great job helping me with the cheesecake. And it was so nice to feel somewhat normal again – maybe except the parts where I’m telling him not to hold off to the pool stair handles for too long. Hahaha. Have a great day and 4th of July weekend!
yyyyYYYYAAAAAAAAYYY!!! Wow, that is great – I am so happy for you guys!!!! I know how much I have enjoyed taking Declan to the pool for some kind of normalcy, however different it may be. I figure if these steps are what we have to go through for a bit of relief, then it is well worth it. Great job on the cheesecake, too! I gave up sugar nine years ago now and never really looked back – except for cheesecake, my Achilles heel! Looks great!
Thanks Robyn! 🙂 I thought about you and D for sure when I was posting this update. You both inspired me to take the plunge and step back into this routine cautiously. It was a lot of fun and so worth it. Haven’t eaten the cheesecake yet but the hubby says it was good. 🙂 Enjoy your 4th of July. It’s Canada Day for us tomorrow. Day off, yay!
Have a great day!