To the young mother at the pool

I was enjoying a good book while relaxing poolside, yesterday, when you entered the environment with kiddos in tow. At first, I thought you were going to set up camp next to me and I cringed at the thought. It’s not that I don’t enjoy kids…it’s simply that I wanted to spend a few quiet hours of reading while working on my tan. Kids are inherently loud, especially when in groups, that’s a fact. But no, you walked right by me and found a little corner for you crew. Thank you.

I also want to thank you for being an attentive mother. Not only did you have your two children to watch, but you allowed them each to bring a friend along with them. Not one of those whippersnappers could have been over the age of 9. Two girls and two boys. Before they got in the water, you slathered every one of them with waterproof SPF lotion. I could smell it from my side of the pool. I like the smell of sunscreen, so it’s was pleasant. You then went over the rules with the children. I could not hear what you are saying, since you did not bark orders at them (bless you), but having worked with children I know the serious face that goes along with rule giving and you had it!

At some point, I got into the water. I was on my little floatie thing and kept to one tiny corner of the pool. My appreciation and gratitude for you grew ten fold whenever your kids would try to swim/splash around my area and you would tell them to get back to “their side”. GOD BLESS YOU!!! You understood that I did not want my book to be splashed or a kick to the head. Most of the time, at the apt pool, parents could care less where and what their child is doing as long as they are not drowning. I have had books drenched, been sprayed directly in the eye with a super soaker, had pool water dumped in my drink, had kids swim directly into me, and have even had them ask for my floatie. This did not happen yesterday. Oh no. You made sure they did not bother me, and I appreciate it. When one of the kids was splashing in my area and you told them to move to their side, he said “but why”? You replied “because this is not your pool and we must share”. You deserve an award!!!

So thank you, young mother, for allowing me to have a nice pool day. The pool days have been limited this summer, due to the rain, and I relish the time that I have when I am there.

In closing, I want to say that the pool “drunkards” are often worse than the kids. I may get into that in another post. But this one is all about you. And by the way, you looked fabulous in your maroon bikini! Good for you!

Thanks again,

Sarah