Mile Swim

Denis went on a scouting trip with the rest of his troop for an entire week over the summer. It was really his first ever time away from home (really far away from home) without either parent. He did very well. He told me later that he was a little homesick for home, but it wasn't until the day they were driving back!

While he was there the troop did a ton of badges and advancements. And on top of that they did one major event - the mile swim.

Now as you all know, Denis has a small disability that makes things like swimming very challenging for him. He is on the pool swim team, but in 3 years of racing the only position that he's every finished in was last. So he clearly has no speed whatsoever.

What he does have is determination! He decided that he was going to do the mile swim. I'm glad I wasn't there. I probably would have tried to talk him out of it. But I wasn't, so he went on with it.

And against my prediction he finished. He was one of only 2 11 year olds who finished. It took him 75 minutes!! I think that amazed me even more. Being in the water for 75 minutes gives you a ton of opportunity to quit. But he didn't quit.

I don't know that I could keep my head above water for 75 minutes. I am so proud of him!