This is very moving. Thank you for such a genuine and heartfelt reminiscence and analysis.

Not entirely apropos but my favorite anecdote about swimming concerns the Governor of Iraq, Hajjaj bi Yousuf (661-714). When his son wa three years old Hajjaj turned him over to his titors and said, "Teach him to swim before you teach him to write." They asked why. Hajjaj replied, "Because ny man in his station in life will always be able to find someone to write for him but will never be able to find anyone to swim for him."