you came into the pool area tapping your cane very softly and carefully, i watched you place your towel and goggles on the bench,this action obviously have been repeated many times…………… you said ”hi” to the lifeguard as she greeted you inquiring about the temperature of the water, to which she answered, ”78 Joe”

she guided you to an open lane and the rest was magic………………………………..

i watched you swim, but you didn’t swim like me, you swam like a man who was chained then freed, on land you were careful, timid and slow, but in the water………………………………..man you can go

not constrained by doors and walls, you slid through the water with command and style

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

we became friends and we have a special bond, i will always be grateful for this conversation: ”i am not disabled, i just see in a different way, i appreciate your friendship and not acting like i was strange………….the water is a medium that i have made my friend and it allows me to give the world a glimpse of who i am……………strong, dependable, determined and free, i have been blessed with a life that few get to see”

amen, Joe

be careful who you assign a label