Women Swimmin’ is on the horizon again. I am eagerly anticipating my third swim across Cayuga Lake as a benefit for Hospicare. In this amazing event, women of all ages, shapes, and sizes join forces to raise money for a much-needed resource in Tompkins County. Women Swimmin’ has warm community feel that explodes when you walk on to shore and see all the people gathered to celebrate and cheer on the swimmers. The feeling is unmatchable!
The pervious two years I have chosen three people to swim for. My first year I swam for my grandfather, Helen Garvey (a second grandmother to me), and Susan Pelfrey (my partner’s first spouse). Last year I swam in honor of my nephew and his new little life, in honor of my partner Gretchen’s successful battle with cancer, and to celebrate my brother’s apparent recovery from his seizure disorder. (Kevin ended up needing surgery in order to fully recover from the seizures; he had a successful surgery in June, is feeling great, and has an impressively gnarly scar to show off.) This year, I am choosing three more people to swim for: my grandmother (Wa), and two of my great aunts (Ethel and Laura).
My first honoree, Wa, is the head of my mother’s family; she is a cook extraordinaire and loves life. I was fortunate enough to grow up in my mom’s hometown with Wa and other members of my mom’s family. When I was sick as a kid, Wa always brought me a new book and read it with me and cuddled with me. I remember nights staying at her house were so cozy, with warm meals, hot bath and sugar cereal. She has been with me for every milestone in my life with a big smile and she has never once failed to cheer me on. There is a certain smell when I walk in her house that makes me feel the world is right; her blues eyes light up the room, and her smile and laugh are contagious. Wa is an amazing woman who remains very active: she volunteers for the service league, participates in an antique club and a woman’s club, and she travels all over the world. There are not many places in the world she has not been. She is has always there for my entire family, now including partners and her first great grandchild, whether she’s making a meal or providing an ear to listen or treating us to her famous apple sauce. In this day and age of families spread across the country (or world), I feel very lucky to have my family and especially my grandmother in one town. We can have Sunday dinners, catch up on a Friday night, or have lunch in the middle of the week. I have chosen to swim for Wa because she is a cornerstone of my life and I want to share my love for her with the world.
My Second Honoree is my great aunt Ethel Agnes Farrell. Ethel was my favorite person on earth when she was alive. She was born in 1900 and lived until October 1999. She was truly an awe-inspiring woman. She played in one of the first women’s basketball leagues and learned how to be a mechanic; she could use any power tool and built many things that I still use in my house today. Ethel lived an hour away when we were little. I would spend the night at her house on occasion without my parents. We would have grilled cheese for dinner, play double solitaire or Chinese checkers (she built the board) and eat ice cream. Ethel was and still continues to be a bright light in my life. She was around for many of my milestones and was always proud of me no matter what.
My third honoree is my great aunt Laura. She has lived in Columbus Ohio my whole life; I always though that was too far away (still do). We would drive to visit or she would arrive from Ohio in her Cadillac and she would laugh the whole time we were visiting. Aunt Laura is a fiery Italian woman. I could spend hours listening to her sing, laugh and tell stories. I have always tried to emulate her independence, kindness, caring and sense of fun. Her gardens are to die for, complete with a Zen garden in the back with a Buddha looking over her. She is an open-minded woman that loves to share food and her zest for life with people. Visits with Aunt Laura are never often enough and never long enough, and are always more fun that you anticipate.
All three of these women helped shape and mold me in the most positive ways. Women Swimmin’ is to help raise money for people to end their lives in the most peaceful way possible. These women represent peace, love, caring and safety to me. In choosing them to honor them, I hope to honor everything that Hospicare does for others in our community.
In order to make a donation for Women Swimmin’ you can go to their website www.womenswimmin.org or mail a check to Women Swimmin care of Hospicare 172 E. King Rd. Ithaca N.Y. 14850. Thanks for helping make this another great event!
