Susi didn’t know how to swim, but she knew she wanted to give her three children—Theresa, Stephen, and JoJo—the gift of confidence in the deep blue. From sandcastles and bath time to the grand stage of the Special Olympics, follow the journey of a family discovering that the water isn’t just a place to swim; it’s a place to grow. Stephen’s Swimming, Siblings, and Friends is a tender, true-to-life story about inclusion, sibling bonds, and the extraordinary strength found in those who dare to dive in.
Image credit: Kathie Ritchie Alcorn – Forest Park Picture Lady.
Summary
From the sun-drenched days of neighborhood swim meets to the competitive lanes of the Special Olympics, Stephen’s Swimming, Siblings, and Friends is an intimate exploration of family, resilience, and the transformative power of the water.
The story follows three siblings—Theresa, Stephen, and JoJo—as they grow from tentative children learning to trust the deep blue into the adults they were meant to become. Through the eyes of their mother, Susi, we witness how the simple act of swimming served as a cornerstone for mainstreaming, teaching them not only how to compete but how to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and character.
But the story doesn’t end with one family. At the heart of the pool are Stephen’s swimming buddies—a diverse group of Special Olympics athletes who have all found their strength in the water. We meet other devoted parents who, like Susi, have championed their children against all odds, creating a powerful support network that transcends the sport itself.
The narrative gains profound emotional weight through Stephen’s own journey. A young man with an extra chromosome, Stephen faced a harrowing health crisis last year that left him tethered to a 70% oxygen dependency. Yet, through his unwavering commitment to the butterfly stroke, he reclaimed his breath, his independence, and his place in the pool—triumphant and oxygen-free.
Stephen’s Swimming, Siblings, and Friends is more than a sports story; it is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the power of a community that refuses to be defined by limitations. It serves as both a roadmap for parents navigating similar paths and a heart-swelling inspiration for anyone seeking to understand what it means to truly thrive.
About the Author
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Susiani Djauhari Tan
My story began far from the life I live today. Raised in the vibrant, close-knit world of my Peranakan heritage in Bekasi, Indonesia, I carried the values and traditions of my roots with me until I moved abroad at age 24. A pivotal moment in my youth came at age 13, when I converted to Catholicism. It was then that I met my mentor, the late RM FX Mudji Sutrisno, SJ—a renowned Jesuit priest and poet who introduced me to the literary world. His wisdom and encouragement laid the spiritual and creative foundation for my life, shaping me into the Christian woman and writer I am today. Later, learning French taught me that we can find a home in new words, just as we can in new lands.
But my greatest lesson in bridging worlds came when I became a mother. Navigating the American landscape as an immigrant, while raising three children, one with Down syndrome, turned my world upside down and forced me to redraw the map. The Hungry Chromosome series is my love letter to that journey. It is written for every parent who feels like they are walking a path without a guide—for the immigrant families striving to provide a beautiful, inclusive start for their children, and for anyone who has ever had to find strength in the “detours” of life. I write to show that no matter where you come from or what challenges your family faces, there is a way to nurture joy, embrace your roots, and create a legacy of faith and resilience.
