My mother her friend and I prepared to go to Bear Mountain.2
Everyone was excited because James, my mother's beau 3
had just purchased a brand new Deuce and A Quarter.4
Eager to get on the road, we locked up the apartment and started5
on our way.6
An hour later we arrived at Bear Mountain.7
I was thrilled because kids were everywhere and the place was jumping.8
After finding a parking space we settled at a cozy spot near the pool.9
The swimming pool was awesome peaking at sixteen feet.10
Children were limited to the shallow part of the pool.11
I was determined to learn how to swim because my buddies back home12
knew how.13
After eating and digesting a light lunch I ventured out to the pool.14
My mother cautioned me not to stray off too far.15
She gave me specific instructions not to leave the children's area16
of the pool.17
Of course I had other plans.18
How could I learn to swim in shallow water?19
All summer I stood on the sidelines as a spectator while my peers20
enjoyed pool games at the local center.21
I was going to learn how to swim if it killed me.22
Starting at the children's end of the pool I gained courage to enter23
the adults section.24
Upon arriving I dipped my foot into the ten feet water level.25
Feeling cocky I submerged my entire body being careful to stay 26
near the edge.27
After watching seasoned swimmers jump off the high diving board 28
into sixteen feet, I convinced myself that I could do it too.29
My mission was clear and nothing would deter me.30
After the diver performed a two and a half jump into the pool 31
I climbed up the ladder into the valley of no return.32
Eyes closed and heart racing I jumped off the high diving board33
attempting to emulate the previous divers.34
Landing head first into sixteen feet of water I descended like a35
ton of bricks.36
My body plunged downward as I gasped for air.37
Now delirious I kicked my feet and moved my arms to no avail.38
Eyes wide open my focus was directed atop where the water sparkled39
in the sunlight.40
A million images flashed across my mind as my life seemed to slip away.41
Suddenly, a quiet voice spoke, "be calm and your body will surface."42
No longer frantic but serene my body shot up like lightning to the top.43
Relieved I headed back to the pools edge a distance of twenty feet.44
My ordeal seemed to last an eternity when in fact moments only passed.45
I remained calm not to appear in danger knowing my mother would kill me46
if alerted.47
To my amazement an elderly gentlemen who had been watching complimented48
my dive.49
Smiling inwardly I acknowledged peering into the eyes of death being 50
rescued by fate.51
After that traumatic experience I emerged a swimmer.52
Satisfied I never divulged my secret until years later.
53
Adding your comment:
and diamond would not have met her Prince Charming Love you my dear friend~joan