Overcoming

 Stephen King said, “The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.”
This week we asked you to write a memoir post inspired by that statement – in 300 words or less.

“I don’t think I can do this”, I said with pleading eyes.   

“Yes you can; it’s not that hard,” he replied.  

  My mind was racing with excuses that would help me get out of this predicament, but I couldn’t verbalize any of them.   We boarded the boat and found our seats.  A few minutes later we were racing through the warm turquoise waters.   The further we went, the more frightened I became.   To make matters worse, the rocking of the boat was making me nauseous.

 “I feel sick; I should wait for you in the boat.”  I said.  He looked disappointed.

 “Ok, breath… focus… you can do this young lady” I told myself.

Suddenly, the crew was passing out the equipment:  life jackets, flippers, and masks with breathing tubes. 

 “Oh no, this is it.” 

 Alarmed with images of shark attacks; drowning; being left behind, I stumbled, heart racing, to the back of the boat.     I could barely breathe.  Joe asked me to let out some of the air in the life jacket. 

“No way,” I replied stubbornly.    I’m a big girl and I need all the lift I can get.”  

He jumped in first and I followed after a quick prayer.    I couldn’t roll onto my stomach and water was getting inside my breathing tube.  I was kicking and gasping for air frantically.   Then Joe appeared.    He helped me make a few adjustments and lovingly reassured me that all was well.  He was right.  I was not drowning and there were no sharks.   I let out a sign of relief.  He reached out and held my hand.  With all the tension gone, I peacefully floated beside him, observing with wonderment the beauty of this underwater world.     All I could say was “Thank you God for allowing me to experience this.”