Child Adrift

CHILD ADRIFT

This incident occurred when I was in my pre- teens. World War II was still going on. I was alone in the water being very smug with the fact that I could stand upright without sinking. It was the only thing that I could do well. I could also float on my back easily. Try as I may, I couldn’t swim too long. I would just go a few strokes and then I would flip over and float. That’s a fact until this day.

Here are my thoughts on that fateful summer day. The words may not be verbatim, but they are close enough to express what I was feeling at the time. It could have been a tragedy, but it worked out fine. I had help from the Lord.

I was at the beach with my sister and some of her friends. I kept the whole brief episode of my terrifying adventure to myself. As young as I was, I had always kept certain things to myself. I would never brag if I did something well and at the same time, I would not draw attention to myself when I did something wrong. I was very emotional and self- critical. I talked to the Lord all the time. A day would never pass that I didn’t say my prayers and ask for His forgiveness for my wrong doings. You could say that I was very naïve.

MONOLOGUE

Boy, am I in trouble! I can’t see the faces of the people on the beach anymore. They look like ants from here. I seem to be drifting further away, and I’m getting really tired. Oh my God! I’m going to drown out here.

“Get a hold of yourself, Dottie. Kick those legs. You can stay afloat.”

Why did I let myself get out this far? Should I call out to the lifeguard? Anyway, I’m so embarrassed.

“Stop fighting with the water. Get on your back and float. Kick your feet and paddle with your arms”.

Ok, I’m doing it, but I have to see if I’m getting closer to the shore. I’m still out far and here comes another wave pushing me back. I’m going to die out here.

“Get on your back again and back stroke”.

Thank goodness! It seems to be working. Still, I can’t touch the bottom, and I’m so tired.

“Dottie, just relax and take it slow. Don’t panic! You can do it. It’s just a little bit more.”

Dear Lord, I know you are with me. Help me get through this. Wow! This old man is passing right by me. Boy, he swims like a fish! He makes it looks so easy. He’s smiling at me. Oh good, my toes are finally touching the bottom, just barely, and I’m so tired.

“Just a little bit more, Dottie. Keep floating on your back.”

Finally, I’m standing up. My legs feel like they are full of lead. There’s my sister waving at me. I hear her voice. “C’mon Dottie! Get out of that water. We’re packing up to leave now.” Happily, my feet sink into the wet sand and I drag myself away from the water.

“I knew you could do it. Dottie.”

Never again will I go out that far in the ocean. I’ve learned my lesson. Thank you God, and let’s keep this between you and me.