Surprise

Courage to swim

Sometimes the things we are looking for is always right there in front of us, and at times all we need is a push in that direction and our eyes are opened. I was always complaining of how every one learnt to swim before I could, one time when we were out, a friend convinced me to try out the deep end. I was scared but she assured me she would be there every moment of it. I don’t know what happened that day one minute we were in the middle of the pool, her hand supporting me, the next minute she was at the end of the pool and I was still at the middle. I could feel the panic rising in my body as I fought to stay afloat. I remembered vaguely someone telling me not to panic, my feet were tired from paddling and with every minute I was running out of breath and energy.
“You can make it C, someone shouted from the sidelines and right then I knew even though it was a lost cause I wouldn’t lose anything by trying. I kicked my feet and I started swimming towards one end. I wouldn’t call it swimming as such- I was swinging my hand like I was dancing and well it was a struggle trying to bring my feet up under water, but I gave it my best shot anyway. I still remember how relieved I was when I finally made it and the ecstatic feeling inside I had when I saw my friends smiling at me and patting me on the back. I was mad at her for deserting me- I could have died- but I as happy because two months after that incident I was chosen to represent our house at a swimming gala. I couldn’t have done it without her. For all I know, I would still be watching the swim team with envy every time they came to practice wishing I was one of them. She didn’t teach me how to swim, but she gave me the one thing I needed all along, she gave me the courage to take a risk and see where it took me.