Another Awkward Moment

Teach in her cute black shirt

In our family we love to swim! Maybe this has something to do with the fact that I practically lived at the swimming pool all summer when I was a kid. So when our city decided to build an aquatic center, we were first in line to buy season passes. Over the years we have spent many happy days playing in the water and teaching our kids to swim. The Dog Walker has always loved the water and one of his favorite family things to do is go to the pool.

When he was little, he often ran around in very little clothing. Summer attire might be swim trunks only all day, every day. As he has gotten older though he has decided that it is important for guys to be modest too. Now he refuses to let the girls see him with his shirt off (I think it’s because he has a VERY hairy chest…shhhh…).

See all those little pleats in the back?

So one day we loaded up the family and headed for the pool. It was a warm summer day, so most of the kids were already wearing their suits with a pair of shorts on top. The Dog Walker had on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts over his swim suit (I know, but it made sense to him). When we got to the rec center, we split up and headed to the dressing rooms. It always takes me longer to get all the little ones showered and ready to swim, so by the time we got in the water, my sweetie, the Dog Walker, and Sport were already most of the way around the lazy river feature. It took us a while to find them since I had three small children clinging to me and my older girls swimming around trying to dunk each other.

When we finally caught up to the Dog Walker, he was floating on his back. I grabbed his foot and he sunk down in the water and then forced himself to the surface for air. I started laughing. I had actually surprised him this time! He blew water from his nose and stood up. “What are you wearing?” I asked, trying to keep a straight face. He looked down at what I had originally thought was a black t-shirt. “It was in my pile!” he responded defensively. About then, Teach swam up. “You’re wearing my shirt!” she accused.

Nice puffy sleeves...

Pleats aren't quite so little on Dog Walker

Trying not to laugh and draw even more attention to the situation, I suggested that he head for the locker room and remove the shirt. “But I don’t have another shirt,” he protested. “You wore one here,” I said calmly, “Wear that.” He scowled. “But it will get all wet.” Knowing the answer already, I said, “You don’t have to wear a shirt you know, just take that one off.” His scowl deepened. “I don’t like to be a skin!” I tried not to smile. “Well, you can’t wear Teach’s shirt, you look ridiculous. Now go to the locker room and figure it out.”

Don't make me be a skin!

He glumly swam toward the steps and heaved himself out of the pool. As soon as he was out of earshot, Teach and I totally broke into uncontrollable fits of laughter. Five minutes later he was back…wearing the t-shirt he had on in the van. He scowled at us and cannon-balled into the water. Teach and I just looked at each other…and the giggles started all over again.

When I told the Dog Walker I wanted to write this funny story, he agreed to put on the shirt again and be humiliated. Such a great guy! Always supportive, always willing…as long as I don’t ask him to be a “skin.”