The Cartwright family, living on the Ponderosa ranch, didn’t only have a big spread but also a private swimming pool. Ben Cartwright was the owner and managed it with his 3 sons (Adam, Hoss and Joe). Because Adam had a 4 year old sons Mitch Ben decided that his grandson also had to learn to swim.
A friend of Joe was swimming teacher. She gave private lessons to children and knew the Cartwrights well.
On the day that swimming teacher Tonia Johnson came Adam said to his son, “Today you learn to swim. Soon a lady comes to teach you it.”
“Fine”, Mitch said with reluctance.
It was too much for him to learn something new. Adam knew that but couldn’t do something about it.
In his room Mitch got everything he need to have for swimming. Adam helped him with it. He had given his brothers order to blow up the spare tires.
While Hoss and Joe were busy with that Ben gave something to his only grandchild and he said, “Mitch, you get this from me for your swimming lessons.”
Mitch got a package and looked what was in it. It was a swim tire with baseballs on it.
“Thanks grandpa”, said the young Cartwright.
“You’re welcome son. Hoss and Joe, here you have another thing to blow up”, said Ben.
The brothers did that with love for their nephew.
Joe had told Tonia earlier that his nephew had fear of failure and was scared to learn something new so she was good prepared. She also knew Mitch and had made special measures. That was in the person of the shepherd dog Cody. He was the best friend of Mitch at the ranch.
Tonia came at the appointed time and Mitch was ready for the lessons.
“Are you coming Mitch? Then we go play in the water and the gentlemen to work”, said Tonia.
Mitch thought that an excellent idea but the grownups of course didn’t. Especially because it was so warm. Tonia took Mitch and Cody along outside.
First Mitch didn’t dare to go into the water but when he saw that Cody went in it the boy conquered his fear and he went after his friend. Mitch learned quickly how he had to swim.
During a drinking break Tonia said, “Mitch, you are a natural what swimming is concerned.”
“I like it but playing baseball is more fun”, answered the boy.
“Do you what you can do too? First play baseball so that you can swim very sweaty”, said Tonia.
Mitch nodded and decided to remember the proposition.
Short after that the young Cartwright had to go up for his swimming diploma which he got in 1 time.
To thank Tonia for the swimming lessons Mitch baked together with the Chinese cook Hop Sing a few cupcakes.
“Thanks Mitch”, said Tonia.
Hereby their friendship had become bigger and closer.