today was Elsa’s sixth swimming lesson in two weeks.   i got her private lessons because i know she couldn’t (right now) function as part of a group lesson.

even with one-on-one attention, though, i can see her repeatedly get frustrated and/or lose focus from across the pool (i’m trying to stay far enough away to avoid being a distraction myself). sometimes she can snap back in, sometimes, not so much.

during the fifth session (a few days ago), Elsa really struggled – was obstinate and oppositional the whole time.  she didn’t want to do any of the things the teacher asked her to, repeatedly screeched NO!! at the top of her voice, grabbed the sunglasses off the teacher’s face and threw them across the pool, etc.

it was charming, i tell you.

it was one of those moments when i want to simultaneously: (1) leap to Elsa’s defense and explain to everyone watching all about Elsa’s special needs and why she is acting this way, and (2) disappear, and just hope that the people at the pool aren’t all going to discuss over dinner the obnoxious brat taking lessons at the pool today.

the teacher – a saintly 20-something named Jane – seemed perplexed by Elsa’s behavior, but soldiered on through.  i could tell that she was relieved when the 20-minute session was over.  and i was happy to get Elsa out of there.  (it made me wonder whether swimming lessons were a good idea at all.  and i felt – as i often do – exhausted by the whole thing.)

but today, the tide turned for the better.  Elsa was much more able to focus, was willing to do most everything Jane requested, and also kind of “got” it in a new way – she actually floated and kicked at the same time, while holding her face in the water.   she was absolutely beaming with pride and was giving Jane high-fives.

made my day.

and a good reminder that we need to keep trying to do stuff, even when it looks like she can’t do it… because the next time she might.

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