The summer after 6^th grade I moved with my dad and brother to an apartment complex on the campus of UC Irvine. Lonely and awkward, I spent my days in the playground, sulking on the swings, trying to figure out if I was still a kid or a teenager. One day, this adorable girl my age appeared and proceeded to do back flips and aerials and all sorts of other amazing feats of gymnastics. 

“She’s so cool,” I thought. “I wish she would be my friend.” 

Lucky for me she would. And was. And is. 

Arwen is my best friend and sister. Sometimes I call her my emotional support animal because having her by my side is an immediate antidote to stress and anxiety. Everything is better when she is near. 

Periodically I like to post this picture to remind her (and everyone she knows) that she was once a cheerleader.

It’s funny because she doesn’t fit any stereotype of a cheerleader, but lately I realize she’s actually the ultimate cheerleader. If you are lucky enough to be one of Arwen’s people, she will sing your praises from the tallest mountain tops in that gorgeous voice of hers. Whatever I’ve endeavored to do in my life, Arwen has always believed in me harder than anyone, including myself. Wildly talented, creative, and always no more than a moment away from making something beautiful, Arwen’s mind is like a labyrinth, twisting and turning into magical shapes and patterns. I’m so lucky to have her by my side on this strange life journey.

Today’s swim was part one of celebrating fifty years of this fabulous human.

Angie and I arrived early with coffee and treats while the sunrise was still splashed across the sky.

The weather conspired to shine down on Arwen’s celebratory swim: sunny and brilliantly clear; the city looked like you could swim there in minutes.

A big gang met up at the Albany Bulb to swim Arwen into her fifties. The water was crisp and clear and cold (60 degrees). 

After a lovely swim we had delicious treats, coffee and good company.