One Scared Mama

Today, we had a freaky accident that could have resulted in a tragedy quickly if not for one VERY powerful God and one fast mama.

We went up to the river to celebrate my niece's 16th birthday. As soon as we got there, my niece to L into the river with her. I was nervous and made sure L and Cousin S knew to stay together. Well next thing you know, L is playing with another little one about her age and Cousin S is out in the deeper river water. I asked my sister how deep the water was and she said only up to the girls' knees. I stayed on the shore but kept my eye on L, just for safety sake. A move that paid off. I was watching the girls play and next thing I know, L looked to be dunking her head in the water to get her hair wet, like she does but the next move she made looked to be one of distress. I hollered to her and she didn't answer so I yelled out to anyone listening and took off. This 7 month pregnant mama can move! I have no recollection of leaving my chair and getting to water - the only thing I can remember is actually being in the water and losing my shoes along the way, diving down to get her and holding her so tightly it was a wonder she could breathe at all. I do remember her head being above water the whole time and seeing her make big ice cream scoops to stay afloat. All those swim lessons have paid off! It seems that spot she was at had a drop off and she found it. I am so grateful to be writing this as a freak accident with lessons to be learned and not a tragic one. She could have drown if not for her staying calm and paddling and if not for a wonderful God that was watching over her. I tried not to make a big deal about it with her - just kept praising her for swimming so well. I didn't want her to freak and not go back in the water ever again. But for the rest of the time we were there, I didn't let her or her brother S more than an arm's length away from me!! This was a total accident that was preventable, as most are. I should never have let her be in the water without me, even if she could touch.

Thank you God for this being a learning experience and not a tragic event in our lives. Thank you for watching over L and protecting her.