astrid Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Dd has signed up to do the Penguin Plunge for the Special Olympics again. Last year, she was 10 years old and the youngest person to do it. Here's a link to some pictures of her, in the light blue bathing suit, jumping through a hole in the ice of our local lake into water over hear head and swimming for shore. Yes, through a hole in the ice. Thick ice. Into a frozen lake. In Connecticut. In early February. My friend took the pictures, as I was nearly in full cardiac arrest myself. But I have to hand it to her....she was far braver than I. She raised over $600.00, too! It's positively frigid here tonight; hovering near zero, and I just can't believe that she's going to do it again this year. But I"m really proud that she is! Astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Help this southerner. So is she swimming under ice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole M Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Good Night, Nurse! I have to totally rethink my views on the Special Olympics now. I had no idea they were into this kind of torture...! Seriously, your daughter is amazing. She'll have some great stories, which will include the part about, "my mom was freaking out...!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted January 16, 2009 Author Share Posted January 16, 2009 Help this southerner. So is she swimming under ice? No, (shudder!) the volunteer fire department dive team cuts a hole in the ice about 30 yards from shore (that's what she's jumping into in the picture) and then cuts a channel through the ice leading to shore. They jump in and swim for shore. Wearing bathing suits, sneakers and bow ties. When they arrive at shore they have to run along the beach to the warming tent where they strip down and put on dry clothes. Most plungers have a "pit crew" in the warming tent to help them get dried off and dressed. The tents are pumped full of warm air, and modesty goes out the window but there are separate tents for women and men. Since Molly was so young last year (she was the youngest plunger) I totally bucked the "no crowd interference" rule and jumped the crowd-control barrier as she neared shore, scooped her up in a big cotton blanket as soon as she emerged on shore and half-carried, half ran with her to the warming tent. She was so cold when she came out of the water all should could do is repeat, "Oh Mama! Oh Mama!" over and over. Today is about -12 degrees so I can't bear to even think about it now! astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 wow! Your daughter is very brave. It is so cold out there, it was -4 when I woke up today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary in KS Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Wow! She's so brave! I'm impressed that she did it the first time, and doubly impressed that she's willing to do it again to benefit the Special Olympics! Good for her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebeccaS Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 I, too, thought "Under the ice!?" Then, I was going to shout that that is absolutely crazy. Good thing I read more.:D What an awesome little girl to do that. My cousin had so much fun participating in Special Olympics, so I love to hear stories like that.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Wow, this Floridian cannot even wrap her mind around temperatures that are below zero. Much less jumping into the water LOL! Your daughter is VERY brave! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandellie4 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 What a wonderful daughter you have! Three of our children participate in Special Olympics and it has been a godsend for their self-esteem and physical stamina. This hug is for BOTH of you: :grouphug: Sandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinMominTX Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 What a trooper! How very brave and inspiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Oh heck! She is my new hero. No way could I EVER do that. I get a chill just thinking about it. Tell her we are all totally proud of her! WoW! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maria/ME Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Incredible!!! Congrats to her...I'm not sure my 10 year old would do that. Applaud your daughter (as I'm sure you do) for not only her courage, but her follow through. I can see many kids that age WANTING to do it, but chickening out at the last minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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