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06/05/2005 10:21:32 PM · #1 |
The most amazing thing happened to me today at the local swimming pool in the apartment complex where I live. Since it was a really nice day(at least earlier, anyway) I decided to go out to the pool and do some reading there, while appreciating the scenery around me(of course I took my camera with me and wanted to snap some candids of kids playing, but never got the courage to do it).
Anyway, I am studying for a test that I'm gonna take at the end of the week(A+ Certification for those who care), and around 4:30 pm(after 3+ hours there) I decided that I was going to leave. However, I was in the middle of a chapter and didn't want to go home and do more reading there, so I decided to stay a bit longer and finish the chapter.
About 5 more minutes into my reading, I heard a man talking to a girl that was sitting about 20 ft away from me. The pool had about 30 or more people and since I was reading, I was doing a great job tunning out all the noise around me; Somehow though, I heard the man's voice...
As I looked up to see what was going on, I saw the most intense expression of helplessness and despair in this man's face, as he said something else to the girl and turned towards the pool. Immediately, my eyes were drawn towards the pool, and all I could see was a pair of scuba style goggles on a little head and a couple of hands splashing, trying to get up.
Without any thought or hesitation, I took off my hat, threw my book and pencil to the side and dove into the pool. As soon as I got under water, I saw these little feet kicking and realised that it was a little boy. As soon as he started to give up and go under, I picked him up and swam with him towards the edge where his father was waiting for him and quickly picked him up.
As I got out of the water, I saw a great display of love through a father and son hug that almost brought tears to my manly eyes(or maybe it was just the chlorine infused water running down my face... hehe). I got out, sat next to them and, as soon as they realized I was there, the little boy who must be around 7 or 8, gave me a hug and said thank you. Right after, the man looked me straight in the eyes, and before he even said a word, I felt his thankfulness. He gave me a tap in the shoulder and with his teary eyed face, bowed his head and said thank you. I was touched!!!
After I knew that the boy was going to be fine, I got up to go back to my seat and realized that about half of the people at the pool were looking right at me(and there where some really hot women there, too). I lifted my shoulders, put on my sexy smiley face, sucked in my stomach, and took the long 30-second walk to my chair, as people clapped and cheered for me. Ok, ok, it wasn't quite as dramatic, but I did have some people clap and tell me that they were glad I did what I did. One older man even called me a hero... ME! I told him that I was just lucky to be at the right place at the right time with the ability to help.
For the next 20 minutes, I tried resuming my reading but was approached by a couple of people who wanted to know details about "the save." Every so often I looked at the father and son duo, as they hugged, kissed, and contemplated what had just happened(as a side note, during that moment thoughts of the naturally framed challenge came to mind because on my point of view, they were framed by some vases and flowers, and i could've gotten their silhouettes just right; But I couldn't do it... Plus, I'm not a member yet, but I would've joined if I got that picture... hehe Things DPC does to me...). Well, as they were leaving, they both looked at me and, with the biggest smiles on their faces, waved and said thank you. That was the highlight of my day...
Needless to say, I didn't finish my chapter and still have about 70 pages to read tonight, but I got out of it, an experience that I'll never forget. I could've finished my reading earlier or just decided to finish it at home but somehow I stayed, so I'm sure I was supposed to be there at that time. I have been going through some not so pleasant times right now with a breakup, but this experience today made me look at everything in a whole new light. Tomorrow is another day and I know that I'll be happy because today I saved a liitle life...(wonder if he's gonna grow up to be a doctor, a lawyer, or a lifeguard... hehehe)
Tano |
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06/05/2005 10:24:49 PM · #2 |
What a beautiful story, and what a gift you have given to that child and to his family. Congrats and thanks for posting such a heartwarmer!!! :o)
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06/05/2005 10:26:04 PM · #3 |
You should feel proud, that was a very heroic thing that you did. Applause to you youo hero you. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face.
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06/05/2005 10:28:30 PM · #4 |
Thank you for doing what needed to be done. Not many people (even though a lot say differently) would put that extra step forward without thought to ones own safety. I commend you on your action.
Just next time....get the picture too.
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06/05/2005 10:34:54 PM · #5 |
Wow Tano.
Thanks for sharing this. Amazing how a few moments can change lives forever. You made a comment that sums it up completely:
"Right after, the man looked me straight in the eyes, and before he even said a word, I felt his thankfulness."
The power of human emotion. |
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06/05/2005 10:37:01 PM · #6 |
Thank you for the comments, Laurie, Teresa, and Nathan. I am just happy that I was able to help.
Nathan: Yeah, the picture would've been nice... :) |
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06/05/2005 10:40:47 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by BradP:
Wow Tano.
Thanks for sharing this. Amazing how a few moments can change lives forever. You made a comment that sums it up completely:
"Right after, the man looked me straight in the eyes, and before he even said a word, I felt his thankfulness."
The power of human emotion. |
Thank you Brad. It really was no more than 45 seconds from the moment I saw it to the moment the kid was out of the water, but it really made a big impact on me. |
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06/05/2005 11:36:08 PM · #8 |
Anyone who saves a life is a hero in my book. Good Luck on your test.
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06/06/2005 12:46:12 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by coolhar:
Anyone who saves a life is a hero in my book. Good Luck on your test. |
As far as I'm concerned he passed the only test worth taking. |
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06/06/2005 09:09:48 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by NathanW:
Originally posted by coolhar:
Anyone who saves a life is a hero in my book. Good Luck on your test. |
As far as I'm concerned he passed the only test worth taking. |
Thank you, coolhar. I still have until Friday to take it, but feel pretty comfortable. Maybe I should just "dive into it" and I'll come out a winner again... hehehe
Nathan: Thank you again for the kind words...
Tano |
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