Once again, I came away from this month’s Monday Close Up feeling very grateful to have had the opportunity to witness another community member doing so much for Utah County.  Sheila Morrison, a swim instructor of 42 years, volunteers her time and pool each week to teach special needs children how to swim for free.  Regardless of the condition, Morrison works with the children to ensure that they too can enjoy swimming.  The article can be read HERE  

A great example of this is a Saratoga Springs boy with arthrogryposis who has severely limited use of his limbs.  A combination of determination, creativity, and baby steps now has the 7-year-old swimming like a dolphin, literally.  Using a technique known as the body dolphin, Bradshaw flips onto his stomach, rhythmically moves his head and hips to propel him through the water until flipping back over for air.  Equipped with an underwater housing protector for my camera, I was able to capture a unique image of Morrison working with Jonah.  He later told me that being underwater was his favorite part of his newfound ability. 

During my interview with Morrison, I was impressed with her attitude towards her consistent volunteerism.  She explained that she has gotten so much out of swimming throughout her life that it only makes sense to try and give back.  The world would be a lot better place to live if everyone gave back to their community what they got out.  Inspiring to say the least.