A miracle

Took my dogs for a swim yesterday afternoon, in a place I never go to, on account of the long path in, but decided, what the hay. Only one car there, got the river to myself, just about.

While throwing sticks in for the mutts, I saw a woman swimming with a small child. Turns out, she's the grandmother, and he's four. She's obviously thought this out, he's not only in a wet suit, but has a life preserver on. Prepared. I liked that.

I walked down the river to leave them alone, and saw the boy get swept down the river, in a very strong current. They were both heading right for a tree that had fell across the river, loaded with branches. Bad situation.

I should say at this point, I have been a lifeguard all through my twenties and thirties. Passed the Massachusetts state exam several times, and passed the California test, the toughest in the world, 1989.

So yes, I jumped in and swam for the tree, and caught him, and had to fight the current, and the tangled branches, and him, completely freaked out, thrashing around. The grandmother told me not to worry about her, just the kid. I put the kid's life vest tether in my teeth, and pulled the woman around the tree, and flung her into the unobstructed current, then carried the boy as far as I could, and jumped in the water, with his vest still in my teeth. She was able to swim to safety, and when I got out, I was completely out of breath, and I couldn't stand because my legs were shaking so badly. All I could do was thank God, over and over.

I never got to this swimming hole. I was put there. And if I wasn't there, I'm sure the kid would have drowned. The woman kept apologizing to me, and saying it was her fault. She was hysterical. The dogs ? Completely oblivious.

Driving home I could imagine that this boy is going to grow up and cure some disease, or lead the Cubs to the World Series. Is he destined for great things ? Doesn't matter. I'll probably never see him, or her, again.

I have a great sense of satisfaction, looking at my torn up legs, and feeling my shoulder scream in pain every time I move my right arm.

 

All praise to God.

 

Thanx, folks. I wasn't going to put this up here. Thanx for the responses.