Swimming Lessons

Swimming Lessons

Ciara O’Hara

Splash! My body hit the cold pool water and relaxed momentarily on the hot summer day. “Ciara, Ciara” my little sister's voice called.

“Josephine, put your life vest back on, please. That is dangerous,” I said as she took her pink life vest off near the pool's edge.

“But I don't need it, I can swim like you.”

I thought quickly about how to respond, admiring her bravery and determination while also wanting her to understand reality. I decided I just needed to be honest. “You can’t yet, Josephine. Put it back on, please.”

“But I can, I really can, I'll show you.”

I knew she couldn't swim and wouldn't learn that day. I was ready to get out of the water and put her vest back on but as I locked eyes with her I could tell that was not going to happen. “Ok, but I need to be right with you.”

“No, don't help me,” she said as she jumped into the water over her head. I saw her body disappear and quickly pulled her up.

“Are you ok?”

“Yes, I wanna try again, I want to learn.”

I never thought I would be given a little sister two days before I turned thirteen, but that is exactly what I got. Although my experience being Josephine's big sister has been one of the best experiences of my life, it has also come with challenges. Countless times, she comes and bothers me while I'm working until I have to raise my voice with her. I often have to remind myself that she is learning as much as I am.

From the moment Josephine was born a new sense of responsibility and commitment began to form in me. I remember numerous times when she was a baby and she would cry and cry when it was time to nap. I would walk up and down the street with her trying so hard to get her to sleep and finding my arms getting heavier and heavier as my patience waned. In those moments, I truly learned what it meant to have dedication and care for someone.

As my ability to take responsibility and be patient with Josephine has grown, I have appreciated how significant even small deeds can be. Even on the hardest days, when having patience and being present during her long stories with barely any point were challenging, I learned that I couldn't dictate how she could do things; I needed to let her explore her creativity and imagination. I needed to be patient with her, and myself.

Witnessing Josephine unconsciously take on the world, from learning to walk and talk to learning to tie her shoes, reinforced in me to consciously be the best version of myself so I can be a role model for her as she grows up, and be the person I want to be going out into the world. I’ve learned patience from her, but I’ve also learned something else.

 

On my first day of school on my exchange in Germany, I walked into the hectic halls and was surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces speaking a language I was still struggling to grasp. I recalled that pink life vest sitting poolside, and suddenly I felt as though I had just jumped into the water. Now it was me, not Josephine, who could not swim. Having to navigate a new school with new people in a new country taught me that sometimes you end up learning the most when you get in over your head and have to push through. Now as I embark on a new chapter of my life I am reminded to dive into all the possibilities, balancing responsibility and risk. Just like Josephine, I am now determined to jump in and learn.

 

Ciara O'Hara is a class of 2025 graduate from Kimberton Waldorf School and the middle of three children.  She plans to pursue a career as an athletic trainer and play basketball in college.  Ciara is devoted to her family, friends, and boyfriend, is a coveted babysitter and camp counselor, thrives under pressure, and enjoys food, singing, fitness, the beach, and a good adventure.

Rowan O'Hara, a photographer and artist, took the photos for  this piece. His work can be seen at https://www.instagram.com/rowan_ohara_/