Wanna Swim In My Pool?

Many of you know we were in Florida for about a week. It was an awesome vacation and we're beyond depressed to be back in Dirty Jersey. Keeping the visit on the cheap, I spent the majority of the vacation in the swimming pool at Mom's condo complex.

On our very last day, I counted down the remaining hours of sun time and fun time. I began floating on my back. With my ears submerged in warm, chlorinated water, I could hear the peaceful sound of nothingness beneath me. A feeling of calm came over me and with eyes tightly shut, I remembered my summers growing up on Long Island.

My family had an in-ground pool, which was a rare thing in our neighborhood. The pool came with our house when my folks purchased it in 1978 and it was the highlight of my childhood summers. Our pool set the backdrop for dozens of family photos, events, summer romance and many a college party while my parents were away on their countless vacations.

8th grade Catholic school graduation, pool cover off, not yet ready for swimming.

As a child, I'd swim and float for hours. I hated to break for lunch because Mom would insist on making us wait after eating for fear we'd fall fall victim to the infamous Charley Horse. Whatever the heck that meant.

As a kid, I would tell everyone about our pool and try to bribe the other children to stop by and swim at our house. It's funny to think that even at age 10, I must not have had a positive self-image. I felt the only way anyone would want to play with me, was if I offered up our family pool. "Wanna swim in my pool? We have an in-ground pool!" I'd exclaim to anyone and everyone at dance class, soccer club and school.

Today Mom's pool is covered up and has been out of commission for several years following a bad storm.  Every year, I beg my mom to repair it, even offering to split the costs. She has since joined a local pool and prefers a more maintenance-free lifestyle.

Without our pool, summer has never been the same.