I chronicled in my last post about my attempt to "help" Levi get used to the water. Unfortunately, it was not according to his timetable and didn't go well. The highpoint of that trip was the discovery of "The Cup." The Cup was a more incremental way of allowing Levi to wet himself and enjoy the water without actually having to jump right in, so to speak.
We visited the lake again yesterday and I cannot believe the difference "The Cup" has made. Where once, Levi spent the majority of his time on the playground or sitting listlessly on the edge of the water, zoned out, my little boy is actually enjoying the water. Upon arriving, the first thing Levi did was take his cup and pour water over his head! Next, he immediately began wetting his shorts. The wetting the clothing part is fairly miraculous in itself.
My oldest son came with us just to help with Levi so that I could let my guard down a bit. Levi loved that! I think he felt secure and he loved having his brother devoting his every second to him. I was surprised to see him actually wade in the water to about the mid-thigh point... without hiking his shorts up on his legs until they looked like green and white underwear!
We were blessed that our church gave us beach toys after our recent VBS, which gave Levi even more to do. I had been meaning to get him a bucket and shovel for weeks, but had never managed to get around to it. My heart sang as I watched his eyes light up after seeing the toys we had brought him for swimming. It was truly great. One of those toys was a red swim noodle. We did not, at first, offer the swim noodle to him, thinking it rather useless since he would barely get into the water. After seeing him wading in the water, though, I decided to give it to him to see what he would do. What he did was play like crazy with that noodle! He had seen other kids with them and, besides, it was great fun.
When it was time to exit the lake for the night after the final call from the loudspeaker, I almost walked past a little boy near the stairs. It took me a second to realize that it was Levi because there was something just a little different about where he was. Normally, he would sit perched at the top of the stairs. He was at the bottom, though. But there was something else that didn't seem quite right. Then it hit me! He was sitting in the water! This had been my goal all along, and he got there in his own timing. I was thrilled to see him finally taking advantage of the water, seeing how much he loves everything about water at home.
The little boy I brought home last night was as content as could be. He had played his heart out and become a little less afraid. I think he was proud of his accomplishment and we let him know how happy we were for him. I realize that I will have to be especially vigilant in watching him now that he is getting in the water more. Lord, help me keep my little guy safe as he enters into this childhood activity that we've all enjoyed at one time or another. I know that I am not perfect in my ability to protect him. I need You to be His Protector, Lord, and enable me to do the best I can through the power of Your Spirit. I place him in Your capable hands. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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