Maybe it’s because we opened the pool last weekend.
Maybe it’s because I saw a Life Flight helicopter a mile away from my house last week and remembered that the fire department dispatched one and cleared the roads for us that day… just in case.
Maybe it’s because I bought my favorite cookies at A.J.’s last night, not realizing until we got home that eating those exact cookies was the only thing that would keep Cassidy occupied while the paramedics were in the next room helping her little brother breathe.
Maybe it’s because I saw a line of kids walk out of my house last week and remembered how many firemen, paramedics, and police officers walked out in the same fashion as I stood in the doorway hugging and thanking them, as I was hysterically crying.
Maybe it’s because while I was cleaning my living room floor yesterday I stopped at the same spot where I picked up Jayce’s dark blue SPF shirt, which was cut in half by the paramedics, as the ambulances were pulling away from my house.
Maybe it’s because I saw a Disney Mom’s Panel logo the other day and remembered having to use the pool net to grab Darcie’s Mom’s Panel Sun-visor out of the middle of my pool after the ambulance left.
Maybe it’s because as I was sitting by the edge of the pool a few days ago, my eyes kept going back to the place where I saw the dark blue mass floating under the water -completely under the water – for a half of a second while his Mom rushed in and saved him. It’s amazing that an image your eyes focused on for not even one second could still be so burned into your memory.
Maybe it’s because I was watching channel 13 news the other night and thinking about why I haven’t watched them since last July -when they broadcast my home address and a google map of my house on the 5, 6, and 10:00 news. For 2 days.
Maybe it’s because it’s the beginning of pool season here in Arizona and those awful commercials are on the radio all the time. The ones with laughing kids, then 5 seconds of silence followed by a message about drowning being the silent killer.
Maybe it’s because every time I see that little boy now, I have to stop myself from giving him a huge squeezy hug. Because he’ll push me away and say “Tooopppp Ms. Bettah.” And I’ll love that he can say that to me.
Maybe it’s because of these things that I’m extra vigilant around the water. Even more so than before.
I’m lucky.
I have these constant reminders surrounding me.
Most of you don’t.
So, now that pool season is upon us…
please
please
please
keep your eyes on your children at all times around all water.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks Bec, I wasn’t even there that day but remember so clearly Michael answering the phone when I called and the paramedics were still at the house. Thanks for the reminder to all parents, grandparents and adults out there. Stay by your children, not that these girls didn’t but just know, it takes only 1 split second for something to happen.
I’m in tears. What a difficult thing to have to go through, but what a great story God has made of it. He spared this little boys life and will be glorified through this tragedy. I’m so sorry that this happened, but I’m glad that you have this public outlet to make others aware of the dangers of this silent killer.
What a scary, scary thing! I’m so glad the little boy is okay now. As much as I love my pool, it also makes me nervous when the kids outnumber the adults.
Chilling.
Thank God things turned out how they did. If this can happen to you, of all people, it can happen to anyone.
Thanks for the reminder. And the bone-chilling story.
.-= Chelsea´s last blog ..Thankful Through Thursday! =-.
Yes, we mustn’t forget!
I didn’t realize it was your house that this very scary moment took place.
I will be placing that button back on my blog this week!
.-= kellie@LaVidaDulce´s last blog ..Virginia Glatitudes =-.
Yes you are so right it only one second for something to go wrong when kids are playing in water, stay safe this summer. Thanks for taking the time for stopping by my Blog.
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..Linlithgow Palace =-.
I remember when this happened, and your post gave me chills and tears all over again. Thanks for the reminder, and I’m so thankful he is okay now!
.-= Christina´s last blog ..Birthday Preparations =-.
I remember Darcy’s post and yours. What terrifying moments for you both. So thankful for the outcome.
.-= jen@ourdailybigtop´s last blog ..cue the tongue =-.
Becca – Thanks for sharing something so personal to help remind us that we can never be too careful when it comes to water safety! My husband and I put our boys through the ISR program (infant swim resource)about 3 years ago, it was very expensive but was worth every penny!
I think of this every time we are in the pool. Such a thing for you and Darcie to go through. I am so grateful that she shared her story, and that you share yours. It is fantastic that he is okay and probably ready to jump in again!
.-= Kellyn´s last blog ..What I Learned This Week =-.