A Swimmingly Good Time

Swimming has been on my mind a lot lately. For two reasons.

The first is obvious. On Memorial Day at 7 a.m. (T minus 5 days and counting) a small group of swimmers will meet on the beach in Middlesex County and swim our way to Willaby’s. We will swim under the Norris bridge, for two miles, and fulfill a yearly ritual.

We are trying to prove to ourselves that yes, we can still make the two-mile trek. We are trying to beat the jellies before summer. And hoping all the while not to be too badly battered by the chop or to run into any wildlife.

For me, this year will be more challenging than most. I haven’t trained in over a year. Farming has taken every free minute and ounce of energy. But, the swim is a rite of passage, an opening to summer. So, on Monday, I’ll slowly wade into the river and slowly (hopefully) make my way to the other side.

The second reason swimming is on my mind is more complex.

I would be lying if I said that I enjoyed swimming but the thing is, at one time in my life I was very, very good at it. I didn’t realize until later in life what a comfort it is to be very, very good at something.

When I decided to restart life over as a ‘grower’ or farmer or whatever that you’d call my current occupation, it became clear how uncomfortable it is to not know anything. How vulnerable one feels when only time and perseverance will cure one’s ignorance.

The past few years have been filled with doubt and fear which slowly, slowly turned to knowledge, confidence and joy. These days, when I’m harvesting with Natalie or seeding and planting with volunteers, I’m reminded of how it feels to do something you are good at.

I am so grateful each time a friend stops by the stand and says, “wow, it’s looking great around here.” There is still so much to learn and so far to go, but that feeling of confidence is growing. Finally, I think to myself, I might know what I’m doing.

Who knew I’d trade in being a good swimmer for becoming a better farmer? It’s a trade-off that on most days is fine with me. Except possibly next Monday, midway through the two-mile trek.

Ah well, summer won’t officially start for me until my feet hit the Willaby’s beach! I hope your summer gets off to the right start and that you can celebrate all those things you are very, very good at.

Happy Memorial Day and, as always, thanks for stopping by!

Carolyn

#FarmLife