The swim test involves swimming two lengths of the pool, 50 yards. One way crawl, the other back stroke. It takes technique, endurance, and courage. I knew Miriam had all three. I didn't know about Rose. Rose has a nice stroke, but when she breathes, she turns all the way over on her back. She can easily swim the width of the pool, but I'd never seen her swim the length without stopping to grab the side. I knew she wasn't afraid of the deep end because of all her great jumping and diving, but I didn't know if she had the courage to swim all the way without the wall near by.

My sister, a great swimmer, paced each girl. It was very powerful for me to watch them.

It is without question a rite of passage. When you pass the swim test, you can swim in the deep end without a grown-up present. All those years of trying to play in the water while she clamped herself to me. Then hovering around the innertube or holding both her hands as she eased in off the sides. Six years of never taking my eyes off her in the water and now she's safe. I am allowed to walk away.