Everyone’s longing for that elusive state of being called normalcy.  The dictionary defines normal as natural, orderly, ordinary, regular, routine, traditional, typical or commonplace.  Because of Covid-19, our  lives haven’t been normal since  social distancing began in March.  Nothing is like it used to be.  Except for water, which is all of the above.  If you can find a creek,  lake, river,  ocean or pool that’s  open this summer, go for it. Find normalcy in the water.

I fell in love with water as a child on my grandpa’s farm. There was a wide, cool creek  In the woods beyond the cornfields. You don’t think of a creek as a good place to swim, but if you’re a little kid, it comes up to your neck in spots.  It’s a safe  place to stand, play, splash, and maybe learn to swim.

One of the best things about water aerobics or swimming as an adult, is the camaraderie with fellow aquaphiles.  Water is the great equalizer.  You can be young, old, crippled, rich or poor, but once we’re in the pool, we’re all the same.  Consequently, you don’t have to dress up, wear makeup, or worry about your body type.  And one of the best things is socializing with like minded individuals.

If you’re involved with water at a community pool, you may  have become acquainted with the others who are there when you are.  As a result, you end up talking to each other.    Race, color, educational status  and social class are forgotten.  At first, someone starts talking about their dog. Or maybe a new recipe.   Once a  topic is introduced, others feel free to drift over and chime in. However,  If you tire of the conversation, you can swim away at any time, and no one cares.

After you get to know some of the regulars, the conversations might become more serious. Trouble with relationships.  Surgeries,  Depression.  Worries and fears.  Anger about some injustice.

We’ve missed those relaxing times in the water during the pandemic.  All the pools were closed. Lately, our YMCA has slowly opened up, allowing only a limited number in the pool at any one time.  Yes, we social distance, but we can still talk to one another while six feet apart.   For the first time in a great while, we can  find normalcy in the water..