Hooray for Summertime!

Yesterday Dallas was talking about going to the pool to play.  This is the first time that he has actually WANTED to go.  He had talked about it before, but was never really interested......... until now!  So we waited until the sun went down, and headed towards the pool.  The pool here stays open until 10pm, so we figured evening time would be the best for Dallas.  Less people, little to no sun, perfect time for him.  

So we walked (Dallas and Mac rode in the wagon) to the pool.  Once we got there, Dallas was somewhat reluctant, but nothing much.  After a few minutes, and after I got in, he decided he wanted to give it a try.  So he came to the edge and I grabbed him.  "Brrrrr... this pool is cold, Mommy" Dallas says.  (It really wasn't that cold though)  So after about 5 minutes, he was ready to get out and wrap up in a towel.  

Meanwhile, another family came to bring their children swimming.  The mom stared at Dallas.  I know she doesn't know what's wrong with him, but it's the first time I've actually SEEN someone treat him like an outcast.  She told the father that she didn't think the kids should go swimming today.  The dad said it was ok for them to swim, but after about 10 minutes, they left.  Really?  

Anyhow, about 10 minutes later, Daddy came to the pool (he was on a walk).  Once he got there, Dallas was excited about getting in again.  So he got into the pool after a few minutes.  Dallas swam with Travis for about 20 minutes.  He decided that he wanted to try and swim to the ladder by himself.  So he went to take a stroke, and his face plummeted into the water!  We grabbed him up (he was wearing his life jacket the whole time) and he had a terrified look on his face.  It was pitiful.  We explained to him that he was ok, that we wouldn't let anything happen to him.  He said that he almost drowned.  We told him we would never let him drown; that he had to work on building his strength back.  

After that incident, he was ready to get out.  But before letting him get out, we had him walk from one side of the shallow end, to the other.  Wonderful physical/occupational therapy worked in there.  

Even though we didn't stay long, it's another step towards normalcy.  Hopefully Dallas will want to return very soon!!!