The representatives put the food on the table. The sun was shining brightly, but it was excellent for the moment. The pool reflected the sun's rays with parsimony, accompanied by the children's cheers as they played, giving the Christmas meal a special aura.
Coaches Josh and Cashie watched their students. They had been teaching swimming for two years. Their students had improved quite a bit. The two coaches found themselves standing motionless watching the movement of the parents and children, the two of them realizing for the first time how much progress they had made in those two years.
Cashie decided to snap out of her stupor and help a little with the preparations. But Josh just stared at the kids. He was amazed at the qualities they had planted in the kids.
Valentin, a 14-year-old boy, was playing with his cousins, but as Josh watched, he saw the boy who came to his pool ready to learn to swim no more, due to his scoliosis. He was one of the first children in his care. Teaching him to swim was a challenge for him personally.
Visualizing the training sessions and how difficult it was to get Valentin to coordinate the stroke and kick, as well as breathing through recovery. Balance and coordination, elements that were essential in swimming. Valentin was now one of the best swimmers on the team.
“Come and eat, kids," Cashie sat down where she belonged as the head coach. “The food is ready.”
Hallacas, ham bread, chicken salad, and pernil adorned the table, as well as their respective Christmas decorations. The children made a mess as they sat down, causing noise not only as they ate but also as they talked.
Josh excitedly sat down as well and began to eat.
The trainer before taking her first bite watched Eugenia, a 6-year-old girl. Who came in being the most unruly and active of the group, instilling discipline in her was a job that made her feel old. He would run after her around the pool trying to get her to do what she asked. For a few moments he wanted to expel her, but she was a child, the repercussions of which he didn't even want to think about. So he instructed her alone, away from her peers.
He pampered her as his daughter, and the girl would later obey his orders with discipline. Now in every class she sat waiting for lessons, she was still boisterous, but when it came to swimming she swam.
“Josh passed me the salad," Cashie asked, and he complied.
The two were just friends from their younger days of swimming. They competed in high-level competitions around the country, but they were old, or so they thought. They just couldn't take the time and felt discouraged to keep doing it. It took a lot of encouragement for them to meet again. The two continued to train in other sports, but they still loved swimming.
When Cashie got a pool to teach swimming, she didn't hesitate to call Josh, so the two got back on track.
“Let's drink to us," Josh raised his glass and the representatives followed suit. “Here's to another year of success and joy. To another year of learning.”
He knew why he said it. When they started neither he nor Cashie knew much about teaching. They knew swimming from athletic experience, but as instructors they were clueless. Although they could afford a swim instructor course, they didn't have the capital to do it. They decided to do what those who don't know a subject do, they researched on the internet. They found videos, books, and articles that delved into the subject.
The Christmas meal was excellent. Each parent had prepared a little something, the children wanted to repeat and were given another batch. Diego was among those children, fluttering with happiness, full of food in his little hands. He was a special boy who had been on the verge of death since birth, he had many health problems, but when he stabilized the doctors recommended that he practice some sport to keep him active. He joined them and it was Josh's job to find a way to get him to stop being afraid of the water. Today, 5-year-old Diego was able to function naturally in the water. He wasn't a great swimmer, but he would dive in, kicking and stroking and making his parents proud. And he was the most loved child among all the kids, they were always looking out for him to get into trouble.
“Next year we're going to compete," Valentin shouted victoriously as he lifted Diego.
Cashie and Josh looked at each other at Valentin's suggestion. He hadn't thought of or conceived of that idea. Going to a swimming competition was a step they had to face.
“Pass me the ham loaf, please," Cashie handed it to Josh, but he wouldn't take his eyes off it. “Oh, that's okay, boss, we'll compete next year.”
They both laughed knowingly. Learning by teaching was the best step they had ever taken in their lives.
