A scary thing happened the other day. We were at a birthday party for a three year old girl. There was an above ground pool. I was in the pool with my daughters. It was a beautiful summer day filled with the excitement of a birthday party. There were lots of little children in the pool splashing and having fun.
Suddenly, I look across the pool and I see that the birthday girl has fallen in the pool with no vest on. I was the only adult in the pool. There were several children between me and the girl. I could see the look of panic in her eyes. Her arms were wailing so her head was staying afloat...but barely. As I tried to move across the pool, her head was going further down into the water. She lifted her head back. I pushed through the water but the force of the water made it difficult to walk fast enough. It felt like lead bricks were attached to my thighs and they were preventing my legs from moving as quickly as I wanted to. I stretched as far as I could. I reached over towards her. I pulled her up out of the water and lifted her to her mother on the deck. I sighed a huge breath of relief. I will never forget the look on her face.
How scary! It was fortunate that you were there. I had a similar experience and I connected to the inability to react quickly due to the weight of the water.
ReplyDeleteIt was that little one's lucky day! So glad you were there to help her, even though it felt like you would never reach her. Great description on getting to her.
ReplyDeleteHow great that you were there! One of my most vivid memories from childhood is being underwater in a pool. A neighbor jumped in and pulled me out, just like you did in this situation.
ReplyDeleteI slowed down my reading as you were walking, reaching, and could feel your need to move faster but couldn't. So scary! Pools make me so nervous. When I was 8, I hit my head against the side of a pool slide , had stitches, and still have the scar by my eye to prove it. Ever since, I've been cautious around water. I hope this little girl doesn't develop a fright.
ReplyDeleteI'm always nervous around pools and children, too. We even had our inground pool removed when we had children. (I didn't really want to take care of it either - which was another part of the decision).
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job describing your fear and panic in this situation.. I was holding my breath, even though I was pretty sure things would turn out okay.
Water is a beautiful but also so very powerful... good for you for being alert and quick to take action! Like Dana said I hope this experience doesn't make the little girl fearful of water because as I said it can be a very beautiful thing!
ReplyDeleteMy heart was racing with you and my legs were sluggish. Wonderful description. Great rescue!
ReplyDeleteYou described perfectly a moment that could have been a tragedy. It made me pause and be thankful for what I believe to be God's protection.
ReplyDeleteWow - frightening! The fear and helplessness was felt. Thankful for a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrifying experience...and how lucky that you were there and that you were vigilant.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were in the right place at the right time! I know everyone enjoys pools/swimming, but water activities really do scare the bejeepers out of me. Last week Kam went swimming with the daycare where we send him, I just feel so nervous when he goes.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow! Scary. I knew it would have a positive outcome or the title and tone would be much different but wow - I was with you all the way. Well written.
ReplyDeleteI felt the water pressure. Well written. I was stretching my hand out with you.
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