Just Keep Swimming

In our family, we have a special journey, one that is marked by challenges and triumphs as Mira navigates the world in her own unique way.

Every day, she faces obstacles that may seem trivial to others but are mountains for her. And every day, she overcomes them, one by one. Each victory, no matter how small, is a cause for celebration in our home.

Last week was one of them.

During Mira’s 7th week of camp, after countless pep talks, tears, and endless hours practicing in the pool, Mira Joy passed her deep-water swim test!

For Mira, learning to swim presented many challenges that may not be immediately obvious. For starters, at 38 inches tall she doesn’t have the safety net of the shallow end. Her feet don’t touch the bottom. Every inch of the pool is the “deep end”, making learning to swim critical.

Second, Mira is not simply a small person, her disproportionate body dimensions create an obvious issue. Short arms and legs make her stroke and kick even more challenging. Her side breathing became exceptionally complicated, forcing her body to be vertical when trying to take a breath.

Finally, Mira has dealt with low muscle tone her entire life. She must work three times as hard as everyone else to keep herself afloat.

Passing her swim test is a huge milestone and a marker of her incredible progress. The little green bracelet she received from her swim instructor as a result is so much more than a piece of plastic. It is a reminder of her strength, resilience, and ability to defy the odds. I don’t see her ever taking it off!

These victories are not just for Mira, but for everyone who is a part of her life. The day she passed her test we received congratulatory messages from lifeguards, counselors, and parents of the kids in her group. Her summer aide, Ally, was brought to tears.

Moments like these remind us of our journey, of the challenges Mira has overcome, and of the love for this little girl that binds us together. They remind us that every victory is a testament to our daughter’s strength and our unwavering commitment to her.

In the words of Mira’s favorite animated fish, Dory, “Just keep swimming.”