Back in the Saddle and some VERY important reminders

Sadly, swimming with Meagan came to an end for the Summer but we didn't want to keep our fish out of the water for too long.  A well timed BOGO sale on private lessons at Swimlabs (one per family, of course) meant Ben had a new teacher, Ms. Heather, to get acquainted with.  I sent Ben in and gave Ms. Heather the quick and abridged version of Ben's current swimming skills and retired to the viewing room to watch the magic happen.  

Ben was quickly smiling and he and Ms. Heather appeared to be having some close face to face conversations paired with her slowly dunking Ben over and over.  I told myself that she was just getting a feel for Ben's comfort level but after a couple short other activities, they kept coming back to this "babyish" face dunking.  I looked at my watch, started pacing and hiding out to get a better view of just what was transpiring.  Finally, after what seemed like 20 of the 30 minutes being spent on this trivial and extremely remedial skill, I asked at the front desk about better ways to communicate about Ben's skill level.  I could tell I intimidated the receptionist and she got very red while talking about notes in the file and making sure I was happy, etc.  

Finally the half hour was up and Heather called me into the pool area.  She put up her hand and said, "before you say anything, let me explain." She said she could see me watching and that they had been working on freestyle breathing regulation through the nose.  She assured me that she understood Ben's skill level and that he could hold his breath FOREVER.  She said she needed him to regulate his breath through his nose so they could start freestyle strokes, etc.  She then said she could teach Ben to swim or teach Ben to be a swimmer and that she thought he was destined for the latter.  I just stood and nodded growing more and more red and apologizing for my actions.  I ducked my head and told the receptionist that Heather had explained everything and to please excuse all of my concerns.  

I will tell you it's been quite some time since I've been put in my place like that and reminded how truly deceiving looks can be.  It was also a great reminder that most of the time the experts know what they're doing and that there are many many things I am NOT an expert about.
I look very forward to watching the future magic happen with Ben and Ms. Heather and promise to do so quietly from my seat.