Make a Splash

Last Sunday, 500 people swam from the mainland, past Habibi, to Deer Island. The annual migration began early, with a rhythmical splash on the portside. Ever vigilant to different noises, I saw a man freestyling by wearing goggles and towing a small bright orange inflatable. “A swimmer!” I thought. “Neato.” Then a panga motored by full of life-jacketed folk and landed farther north. Soon a white tent took shape, more pangas arrived, and it was going to be an island party. The initial swimmer reached shore and rested.

Again, the rhythmical splashing, and when I looked southeast, a flock of stroking arms flashed in the sun. “¿Que tal?” said a woman on the starboard side in response to my “¡Buenos dios!” Female, male, white, black, brown – all swam past, along with lifeguards on jetskis and watchful kayakers. It took hours for everyone to cross, with many words of encouragement in several languages. One woman held her hot pink inflatable to her chest and simply kicked, accompanied by a cheerful man – “only a few meters more!” – and a teenage boy in a small canoe. No one rushed anyone.

Some wore swim caps and rash guards and fins, some wore only a bathing suit and goggles. Friends in lanchas proffered water and directions: “Go right! Derecha!” Others quietly observed. Lifeguards swooped after stragglers and strugglers, and offered a lift. Some accepted, some declined and continued after resting. Everyone made it to the island. Every one.

Yes, Voldemort has once again bought the presidency to the United States. It’s dispiriting, but it doesn’t change the fact that, as Anne Frank pointed out, people are generally good at heart. Humans are easily confused and distracted by glitz and bluster. I know, I’ve been there. But underneath it all, we can be reminded that, if you want to tackle something difficult, say, swimming several miles across a body of water in concert, or sailing down the coast, or throwing a liar out of public office, there is always – ALWAYS – someone or twenty to help you. Do not give up. Love always prevails. It’s what we’re made of.