I'm determined to raise my heart rate a little today after a three year old politely told me that I look like a whale on the very same day that my own six year old asked me why I look so much bigger now compared to in our wedding photos. I love how both are innocently unaware of what their comments suggest to me. The plans of exercise are quickly forgotten by the time I arrive for a swim. It's bright and again the sun’s reflection makes the water sparkle, but the river is almost empty, my feet are the first to encounter the extreme cold. I use my fastest dog paddle in a bid to get to the sand bank without getting my face wet. Even the ocean temp has dropped a few degrees and the bridge of my nose is painfully cold as I dive under a wave.
I swim closely alongside a friend and see an unexpected set of waves coming towards us, I realise that he is unaware, he's picked up by the surge of water and is thrown down on top of me. His concern is for me but we're both ok and laugh off the collision. I assure myself that I won't be in the wrong place at the wrong time again, I won't take my eyes off the incoming surf, I won't let myself be vulnerable again, but I do and I'm picked up and thrown to the ocean floor in a tumble of white wash and gritty sand. I get my bearings, clear the water from my mouth and nose and continue my swim a bit further out this time, lesson finally learnt. I've adjusted to the temperature, there's sand between me and my wetsuit but I keep on swimming. The wander back down the beach is warm, it feels like summer. I wade back into the river towards the deeper channel when I feel something rubbery slip out from underneath my foot. I've stood right on top of a big sting ray and given him a fright. As he swims away we notice that he doesn't have a tail. He's defenceless and vulnerable, he's been hurt before and in my unawareness, I've stepped on him. I wonder for the rest of the day if he's okay. How easy it is to affect someone else in our unawareness.
1 Comment
Mary
7/7/2018 08:56:11 pm
So true! Another enjoyable piece. Thanks.
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AuthorKirrilee Archives
September 2018
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