Teddy Takes on Waterskiing

Last month Teddy had an incredible opportunity to go waterskiing. Yes, you read that correctly. There's an organization called Graceful Wakes that coordinates skiing clinics for people with disabilities. I first learned of the group in June when someone shared their clinic information, so I reached out and was told the clinic was already full (nearly a month in advance). I said we'd try again next year and don't even remember asking to be put on a wait list ... yet the week of the clinic I got an e-mail that they had a cancellation and would love to have Teddy join them.

Since Dave was off that day already, he took both boys down to Janesville, about 2 hours away, for a day of fun on the water. I heard after the first run that Teddy seemed to have fun but was a bit unsure of it, so Dave wasn't sure if he'd do a second run. Well, he did and absolutely loved it once he knew what to expect (as it was a completely new and different experience)!

Teddy was loving his ride!

They had plenty of talented volunteers assisting with every aspect, including two volunteers on skis who literally held the waterskiing chair while skiing. Ummm, I'm pretty sure I couldn't hold my own waterskiing, much less hold onto a chair while waterskiing. They made it possible for a wide range of folks to try waterskiing, with Teddy getting two turns to go.

Thanks to Graceful Wakes and all the volunteers for making this magic happen!

As much as he loved skiing, as soon as his second turn ended, he started swimming away from the chair toward a pontoon boat he spotted. Now, mind you, Teddy's ability to swim is very much a work in progress, but he definitely was moving away from the skiers toward his target. That prompted several additional volunteers to enter the water to "rescue" or perhaps "redirect" Teddy. 

Look at that joy!

AJ captured some good photographs, but the ones I'm sharing in this post are from the photographers who were in the boats to capture the smiles. And there were smiles! AJ and Teddy also got to go tubing together as well, and it was a great family fun day. 

This definitely made an impression on our family (and I'm bummed I was working and missed it). We're so looking forward to this event next year and hope to make it a family fun day!