Gone Swimming!

I don't know why I keep taking kids from Yellowstone swimming, but I guess subconsciously I think it's really fun! This is Wilson wearing a swim cap that we had laying around at the house. I picked up William, his sister Ralia, and his cousin, Baby Ken. Yes, Baby Ken is his name. He introduced himself and I thought he was kidding...after asking him again, I was assured that his name was in fact, Baby Ken. We went swimming next door, where Wilson assured me that he knew how to swim. In case you were wondering, Wilson defines swimming as being able to stand up in the water. I was watching Wilson and the two other kids when I saw Wilson's float flip over in the middle of the pool where it's a little deeper. At this point, I still thought Wilson could swim according to my definition of swimming. After seeing him flail around in the water for a few seconds, and after the reality of Wilson drowning set in, I jumped in, Baywatch style, to save him. Thankfully, Wilson was fine and had just swallowed a lot of water. He grabbed on to me as if his life depended on it. We got out of of the water and decided it was time to go back to my parent's house to get a snack. Needless to say, swim time was over. Wilson and I talked a long time about swimming and how HE WILL get back in the water. He said the only way he'll do it is if my dad accompanies him. Looks like we'll have another outing!

My dad got home from work a little bit later...the minute he walked in the door, Wilson had his arms wrapped around him, ready to show off to Baby Ken that he knew Mr. Holland. (Wilson came with us to one of David's games last spring). Of course, he's part of the family now. I love Wilson's ability to bounce back after his scary incident in the pool. It was wonderful to see how Wilson felt like he belonged with our family, and was comfortable at my house. This is a barrier that is often hard to break with kids at school. I took them home later, a place not too far from Yellowstone.

A story I love to tell people is about the first time I took Wilson home. It was almost dark and I asked Wilson if I would be safe dropping him off. He told me I wouldn't be safe if it got dark because people start shooting late at night. This is the best part....he said, "But don't worry Miss Holland, I'll make sure nothing happens to you." Sure enough, I walk him to the door and he stands there, with his house phone in hand, and watches me walk to my car. Don't you see the hope for Wilson's life? Doesn't he have potential? I can see him doing the same thing one day with his wife and kids. I love this boy!