Buoyant

Wella Hartig is a retired swim mom who wanted to share her story. Although her struggles are not unique, she hopes to inspire other parents to “dream big” (as Aaron often says) for their children—regardless of economic circumstances or seeming lack of opportunities. She and her husband Tim now have time to enjoy surfing and tropical breezes. Wella has started a line of clothing and volunteers at the local library. The two of them still run and swim every day.

Laura Cottam Sajbel is drawn to the rich and colorful narratives of individuals sharing stories we need to know.  She has turned those stories into articles, poetry, and fiction for more than twenty years.  Starting her career in magazines, she earned a master's degree in writing from the University of Southern California, then taught creative writing and literature at Loyola Marymount University and El Camino College.  She served on the Author Selection Committee at the start of the Texas Book Festival and has run Young Writers' Workshops for the neighborhood elementary in Austin.  The mother of three athletic children and wife of a cyclist, Laura swims, kayaks, and is certified to scuba dive.