SWIM ACROSS AMERICA

I (Sammy!) had the privilege of joining about 150 other swimmers in the Atlantic for a mile swim to raise money for cancer care here on Nantucket. Amazing organization, amazing event. The night before, the wind was howling and I lay there a bundle of nerves, thinking about what the surf would look like come morning. Jettie's Beach, just over the dunes from us, is normally quite a calm beach with lovely sand bars and warm water. But lately it's been breezy which sends the waves up into a frenzy. The day dawned beautiful, still breezy, but filled with golden sunshine. Finbar and I walked down to the tent so I could register and get settled. I opted for my wet suit. I just knew I'd feel more secure in it and the added buoyancy was a bonus.  Around 8 my parents came down with the kids and we all took part in the national anthem. Then I hit the water for two laps. Anyone who knows me knows I am a pool swimmer. I have never met a pool I didn't like (with the exception of a recent experience at a hotel at JFK). A mile swim is a good warm up for me. But swimming in the ocean is a whole other can of worms. I expected I would have the current in my favor in one direction but in fact, the wind was such that the surf was heavy both directions. I was happy for having been converted to bilateral breathing so I could face away from the waves and limit the amount of salt water I swallowed (still managed to ingest a lot). I was happy for an awesome coach who really emphasizes good sighting skills. And I was grateful to have been reacquainted with a writer I love who is an amazing and accomplished swimmer. All of these voices in my head carried me through the swim. The beautiful day, the comradery, and the thought of the importance of the money I had helped to raise, the people who would be helped by it, and the fact that I was fit and well and could do this event...it all meant so much. In the end, the event raised a remarkable $180,000 for cancer care on Nantucket. I’ll be back and next year, hopefully the rest of TeamJacobson will swim alongside me.