terrypetersen

There are better golfers, there are better drivers, there are better swimmers, and there are better cooks. The one thing that no one can ever be better than you at is… being you. Just be you. There’s no one more qualified for the job. (Doe Zantamata)

The water park may be closed for maintenance, but Ella doesn’t mind kicking in the indoor pool. She is ready to play the moment her small feet touch the water. I grimace at the temperature. Our little one doesn’t. Water means fun, and a second’s inconvenience doesn’t seem to get in her way. Action warms the body almost immediately, and young children are made of it.

Two other persons are in the water.

“Hi,” I say, initiating a wave. Ella takes the cue. She’s the conduit for conversation, the kind that bypasses the weather and television and goes straight for the heart. I tell a woman about how worried we were when we heard that Ella was going to need two surgeries before she was six months old. Our little one is wearing a new two-piece bathing suit. No sense hiding the scar from her heart surgery. All her natural love remains intact.

I hear the woman’s story, what makes her tick, while Grandpa leads Ella on a guided tour through the deep end of the pool.

After the woman leaves it is time for a senior exercise class. Grandmothers and great-grandmothers arrive. Somehow Ella knows this is an excellent opportunity for show-time. She gives every woman she sees a high-five. Sunshine rises from her eyes and fingers. Ella turns to some of the same people several times. Perhaps they need a little extra blessing. I don’t know. Only Ella’s keen intuition can see that.

I’d almost like to stay for the class. I’m a senior. But this little one could be a distraction as the teacher gives directions. Ella’s service is finished—for now. Our high-five princess can come back and spread love another day.

Ella on slide