Learning to...

When I was a young boy I loved playing in water. Our family would go swimming at Centennial pool where depth of the water was mostly over my head. I would stay pretty close to the side and most of the time hang on to the edge.

I remember one day my brothers decided to “teach” me to swim. I think Trevor took the initiative (but it could have been Blair or Doug), and picked me up telling me it was time to learn to swim.

Before I knew it I was flying through the air. I’m sure my arms and legs were swinging every which way. As I hit the water and started to sink, I remember thinking I hope I don’t die.

My brother’s wisdom showed through. Instinct kicked in and I had no choice but to flopped and paddle for the edge of the pool swimming for my dear life.

I don’t remember ever being frightened of swimming after that.

Blair pinching Hugh's ear.

Another talent a brother taught me was to whistle. As a boy, Blair would often sneak up on me and grab my ear in a pinch death grip worthy of modern day wrestling yelling “whistle or lose it.”

Have you ever tried to whistle while in immense pain? It’s pretty tough. I would frantically blow air through puckered lips struggling for sound to come out while trying to squirm away without severing my ear.

I learned to whistle pretty quick.

Although I didn’t always agree with their teaching methods, I’m thankful for brothers who cared enough to teach me many how-tos, (just two are mentioned above).

02/10/2008 | hugh |

Comment

  1. Great story. I’m glad your other brothers taught you some great lessons. I think I took this photo.

    http://roper5.com/images/79.jpg

    Doug
    Feb 10, 05:52 PM

  2. Aren’t big brothers fun! Every kid should have one. Hey what are you being congratulated for on the cake?

    http://roper5.com/images/79.jpg

    Doug
    Feb 16, 08:38 AM

  3. That’s being saved for another blog post.

    http://roper5.com/images/79.jpg

    Hugh Roper
    Feb 18, 09:15 AM

Commenting is closed for this article.