Author Archives: Mary McCormic-McInnis

Today, on the hottest day of the year, I had my first ever miso soup swim. I couldn’t have dreamed this up if I tried. Breaking with tradition I slowly lowered myself into the bay off my aunt and uncle’s dock. I hoped to find my youngest nearby with his buddy, but they had headedContinue reading “August 17, 2020”

My swim habit is not a habit anymore. It’s feeling like a calling. My swim buoy is closer to my reach outside the front door, and now my goggles and cap have joined the party waiting for my return. Perhaps the fact that tomorrow is forecasted to be near 100 is influencing my desire toContinue reading “August 15, 2020”

 These feet got me in the water and back home again today. Whatever absence of energy I had yesterday dissolved this afternoon.  Today I couldn’t wait to swim again. I always walk barefoot along the gravel road and ivy-lined trail to the waters edge behind my house. It’s more than knowing I have nothing toContinue reading “August 13, 2020”

I swim where there are no walls. Today I took an old iPad to my dad so we could FaceTime with him as he sits in his quarantined world, walls within walls.  He just wants out. And I have no answers for him. Only empathy. “I know dad. I hate this for you and me.Continue reading “August 10, 2020”

Still swimming. It was cold tonight. Really cold. Swam south from the road end. Had the whole place to myself save a bunch of crabs looking for dinner in the shallows. I pushed through the cold, and reminded myself that I could bear it. 14 years ago I gave birth at home to a nearContinue reading “August 6, 2020”

I am swimming. Not every day but the deep pull into the salty waters gets stronger all the time. Not until this summer did I ever try open water swimming. Every day I force myself to keep my eyes open and read the news and feel the weight of the heartache and hidden despair andContinue reading “August 5, 2020”