Swan Dive

The weather was sunny and warm, perfect for a swim in the creek. But John could only sit and watch as the other children joined in.

His bedroom overlooked their old swimming hole. It had been years since any of the neighborhood kids swam there.

As he watched, John smiled, enjoying the sight of the youngsters frolicking with wild abandon. It made him wish for his younger years.

The old rope swing seemed as strong as ever as it sent one child after another out over the deeper part of the hole. From there, he remembered, he could do cannon balls, belly flops and once, he even attempted a swan dive.

“It was only once,” he mumbled.

“What did you say, John?” his nurse asked.

“Aw, nothing,” he answered, “Jus’ thinking out loud.”

The nurse step behind him, reached down and unlocked the chair’s wheels before carefully moving him towards the bathroom. It was time for John’s daily bowel program.