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| | | | | | | | AUTHOR: | FalconMitsukai | DATE: 08/19/02 3:28pm | | SUBJECT: |  My first memory - horrible, yet helpful. | | | My first memory was of drowning.
I know for a fact that I used to go to preschool all school year since I was about 3, and to summer camp all summer since I was about 2 as well. And I remember we always used to go swimming in this swimming pool.
I was 3 or 4 when this happened. It isn't really my first memory, because I faintly remember what the building we used to do crafts in looked like, and even my teachers faces. But this stands out above everything, I remember every detail.
I was a pretty happy child. I was quiet, and artistic, (or so my mom tells me) but I remember being happy too (though I was always an introvert, I found happiness in my own thoughts) and my camp went to the pool. I knew that I couldnt swim, but the slide in the pool was just too inviting. So I slipped onto it somehow (The Lifeguards werent very good, as you will see later) and had a blast. I even remember what the slide looked like, colors and everything. But when I got off, the water was too deep.
I was calling for help (i'm not sure if I really was now, because I was always so quiet. I probably thought I was, but maybe got Help out only once) and splashing so someone would notice me. But nobody did. I dont remember being scared, but I remember thinking about death at that time(which was pretty scary, I dont think I knew what death was.) I had gone under for about a minute, (which is the most blurry part of it. I dont remember going under, but I remember coming up) and even having an out of body experience. But a boy (about the age of 15) grabbed me and helped me out. I dont think he was a lifeguard or anything, because he was just a normal kid. But he probably saved my life.
I keep having flashbacks of it now, and not when I'm near water. Many water accidents have happened with me since, which I found weird. When I was about 5, I got an allergy to chlorine, which lasted a few months. And about a year or two ago, when I was 13, I had a panic attack while swimming. But I am normally fine around water.
And I think this experience helped me more then it harmed me. I remember how nice that kid was, and how he could have kept on swimming, but he helped me. Whenever I get put in a situation where someone can benefit, I usually let them have the benefit. I gladly hold the door, give up my bus seat, and lend out my stuff. And whenever I think "Why do I do this?" My first memory comes back to me. Why did that kid save me? Because it was the right thing to do. | |  | |
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