Polar plunging is a whole THING, the crowds, the teams, the interactions with the people local and the state and local police agencies – everything and everyone is there just for a good cause and a good time. I was fortunate to connect a few years back with my cousin’s friend from over 50 years ago with her “crew” – and that gave me a crew of the moment – a jumping group – and it has renewed my appreciation of the caregivers of these most special of God’s children – the caregivers are there 24/7 and not just a jump in the lake moment.

God bless these families. They are the angels in our midst. They are caregivers – EXTRAORDINARY caregivers. 

These flocks of people,  who come to support, have the best time at this event, (raised $$$), teams from businesses and schools. Pizza and coffee, the tent had a local DJ MC, and gift raffles (I won two!), and the many support folks… It goes from a skeleton crew at 10am, swamped with people at 1130, jump at noon, ghosttown at 1245. It’s like a roar that disappears quickly. Fun and such a short window of wow. People love it.

My cousin is my same age as me and so many Special Olympians are now adults, and they have the continued childlike spirit as their fabulous families are encouraging in cheer. I had the privilege of walking down the steps with one who is expressive in smiling even as her age has brought on an early Alzheimer’s on top of her Downs, she still understands much and steps from the water, that she was NOT planning on going in, which I knew, and her quick reaction was very expressive, and I handed her back to her Auntie who also stood on the side. I then proceeded into the water with my cousin. I love the atmosphere of the plunge so it was no issue walking into the 37 degree water because people are encouraging and because you instead FOCUS ON THE MISSION, focus on not slipping, focus on the excitement, and in this case focus on what my cousin wanted for duration in the water. We didn’t jump in or dunk, honestly it was the least wet I’ve been in these events, not much past my knees, but that’s ok. Then it was a walk back up. It wasn’t as much done as a show but a flow… and fun was had by all.

These angels in our midst of caregivers to the special folks are there for 24/7 like I said, they aren’t just splashing in the moment, they are steady swimmers of care giving. I’m blessed to witness their commitment.

One more thought on the caregivers – many are adoptive of these special olympians – many are family members and friends – and this reminded me of the time I have been spending doing a special project for the last week and this upcoming week – that they “adopted me” for a time being – that they support my needs to learn – a taking care of someone – being in good cheer with someone – helping and working together – and that reminded me that this group celebrated St Joseph’s Day this past week with some goodies – which is an Italian tradition – Father’s Day on this day in March – and celebrating St Joseph, Jesus’s “legal” dad – his earthly dad – his adoptive dad to raise this special extra special baby. I also know that Joseph is the patron saint of adoptive kids. Joseph did not choose this path but God chose him – and then Joseph CHOOSE TO OBEY – chose to be the father and husband that God wanted him to be – chose to take care of others and be the one they could depend upon. 

May we all learn from Joseph and from these angels in our midst to care for each other.

Amen