Ode to John

I think about how much I miss the pool. I started going there with my mom at least twenty years ago. She was so excited to bring me to her 8am water aerobics class to meet her swim friends and show me the joy of water aerobics. By the time I moved to PT mom had stopped going swimming but I didn’t forget the pool as swimming is my exercise, refuge, place of joy. Two years ago when I started working at the radio station I decided to also go back to the pool. I think it was the first day I went swimming after my show that Seth pointed at me and said “Buzzy, go take that class.” So I did, and rediscoverd the joys of water aerobics. But this time I worked out with a different mindset. I decided to give it at least 100% every class. What a difference, I felt great, empowered, energized. I found my endorphins, and then I found John. Anyone who goes to the pool knows John. John is passionate, funny, loud, authentic. He teaches the morning classes so his work schedule is rough. I imagine he goes to bed about 8pm and get up at 4am as he starts work a 5:30am. That kind of schedule does not make for much of a social life I would imagine. John is loved by many for the passion he brings to his classes. He inspires. I know he has encouraged me more then any parent or teacher I have ever known. I doubt John makes a living wage. I hope that when the pool reopens that John will be there, I miss him. This is my ode to John.