Angels in the water

Recently, I began working in the pool to aid in my recovery from surgery. My mind wasn’t in the best place the first time I walked into the locker room. I’ll admit it; I was feeling pretty down. I didn’t want to be there, but at the same time, I knew I needed to be. I almost hugged the wall, trying not to be seen. Although this wasn’t a new fitness center, I had been here before. However, this time, I felt nervous about my body not functioning as I wanted it to.

It’s not a major injury, but it has been challenging, and I guess I felt embarrassed and vulnerable. I hurriedly put my things into my locker, eager to get to a changing room. As I turned, I inadvertently made eye contact with a woman who had just finished swimming. You’ll think I’m crazy but picture an almost angelic face. She was tall, slender yet strong, and simultaneously gentle as she spoke. I can’t remember if she spoke first or if I did, but I distinctly recall her saying something like, “Are you swimming?”

I’ll never forget the kindness in her voice. Her eyes sparkled as she mentioned, “I swim every Wednesday.” I smiled back and explained that I was a bit uneasy about getting in the pool. I think she noticed my slight limp because she stopped what she was doing and took the time to tell me how much I would enjoy working in the water in her own way. “I have Parkinson’s,” she added. She also asked me how she sounded, referring to her speech. It was another thing she had been working on, but I quickly reassured her, “You sound great.” She did. Her positivity and inner beauty, the kind that money can’t buy, were evident. This was her heart sharing her strength and part of her journey with a total stranger, offering comfort.

All of this took place during a brief exchange in the locker room. I kid you not; she lifted my spirits in a matter of seconds. I have no doubt she does the same for everyone she meets.

Neile Jones does physical therapy exercises in the pool.

Isn’t it remarkable how, if we listen, we can discover beauty unexpectedly? Moments like these, I like to call Angel taps. They serve as reminders of love and grace that we sometimes overlook. She is now one of those I refer to as one of my “Angels in the Water.” Every week, whether outside the therapy pool or in the water, I encounter someone offering hope to those in uncomfortable situations.

You might assume such inspiration and positivity comes from therapists or trainers, and yes, it does. But it’s also true for clients, patients, and caregivers who refuse to give up, no matter their challenges or pain.

One week, as I changed clothes in the small room beside the locker room, separated only by a privacy curtain, I overheard a woman sharing how she had just celebrated her birthday with loved ones. She mentioned being in her 80s but spoke with the excitement of a schoolgirl recounting adventures with family and friends. I didn’t say anything, but as I passed her on my way to the pool, I smiled, quietly absorbing her contagious joy. She arrived at the pool a few minutes after I did, riding in on her scooter. With one arm gripping the rail, she entered the water as determined as any athlete I had ever seen. It was magnificent watching her glide through her exercises.

Every time I visit, one thing remains certain: if you listen closely, you can hear their victories and witness their triumphs. Some are small wins, others monumental, but all are significant.

Nowadays, I no longer try to sneak in and out of the therapy pool area. When I leave the pool, I take a moment to absorb it all. I turn around purposefully, looking for those I call my ‘Angels in the Water.’ I offer a prayer for them, for myself, and for everyone involved in our journey together. My heart swims in gratitude for the grace that sustains us when we need it most.