I came from a small town in the eastern part of Samar. It lies next to the Pacific Ocean. And yes, because I grew up in an island where there are a lot of beautiful beaches surrounding our area, I know how to swim. I actually am a good swimmer. Not as good as an Olympic swimmer, though, but I can definitely swim.
I learned how to swim when I was 9 years old. I went swimming at Minasangay beach with a couple of my childhood friends who, at that time already were good swimmers. When we got there, some of them started climbing up a big rock, I'd say about close to 20 feet high. It was a very steep rock with sharp edges. At first, I was hesitant to do what they were doing. But when I saw them having a lot of fun, I thought to myself, I want to try it out, too. And so I did.
Some edges of the rock were too sharp that I actually had minor cuts while climbing up along with my friends. I scraped my knee, cut my hands from grabbing onto the edges to hold and help push myself up. The big problem was, nobody really told me that once you've reached the top, the only safer way to get back down was to jump off of it. And as a beginner, you have no idea how scared I was at that very moment when I got told that it's either I jump, or risk my life climbing down from where we came from. I was 9 for heaven's sake!
One by one, my friends started jumping off till I was the only one left. I remember how sick I was to my stomach every time I looked down and realized how high it was. I couldn't even swim, so how on earth would they expect me to jump down just like that!?
They started yelling at me for being a "coward". Well, rather, they were teasing me, for that matter. Some cheered me on saying I could do it, too. That if anything would have to happen, they'll save me in a heartbeat. To be honest, I cried. I was too scared that I started crying. Some of my friends climbed back up to help me get down. But with every attempt we made, the tougher it got. I don't really recall what convinced me to finally took that jump, but I did it! All I know is, I was there for almost 30 minutes trying to figure out the safest way down. And while I was up there, it felt like forever!
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| You really can't see the rock anymore because it's all covered up in mangroves now. But that's the one I'm talking about. |
I remember feeling like my entire upper body was separating from my lower half the moment I jumped off that rock. My face turned completely pale, as I was told right after I emerged out of the water. It felt like somebody literally punched me on the stomach because of the impact and how my body hit the water. My nose hurt so badly, it felt like I got cuts inside. I know water got inside it, and it made me feel dizzy. It definitely was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but that's how I learned how to swim. I had to. I needed to, or else I wouldn't be here. I know my friends told me they'd save me if something bad came up. But with everything that had happened and how fast it actually occurred, I think if something did happen to me, they would have panicked and probably would have left me for dead. Not in a way where they'd mean to. But they were kids, too just like I was. We didn't know any better. I even saw in their faces how scared they were, thinking I wouldn't make it. I actually was drowning, that's how I learned how to swim. I swam my little body back up to get some air because I hit so hard that I went way deep into the water. I forced myself to stay afloat till, I think, my friends felt it was finally safe for them to grab me. They helped me by pulling me back to safety. Both my legs cramped up from me kicking in the water. My arms felt numb from pushing myself up and flapping so I'd stay above the water. My entire body felt like I got beaten up by a gang or something. I was so sore, tired, and weak! Not to mention the sea water I drank while I was trying to gasp for air in the middle of kicking, flapping, and pushing my body up with the little strength I had left in me.
I can still feel even if it's been 18 years, how scared I was and how my little body was shaking because I thought that was the end of me. You know how kids think back in those days. But behind that fear, I was so happy and proud of what I just did, and accomplished. I didn't die, obviously. And above all, I learned how to swim. Oh, yes, I definitely did!
Since then, every time we went there, I'd climb back up that rock and I'd jump down into the deep water like it was nothing. I think I only stopped doing that when I was already in college. I left and went to the city to study. And every time we had the chance to go home for a vacation (Christmas break was mostly the only time we went home for a longer vacation. And
usually, it's rainy season there, so nothing much to do but stay inside
the house), the weather wouldn't allow us to go there to actually enjoy. It is such a beautiful place, but it can be dangerous, too. Heavy rains and high tide at the same time are what we really avoid because the water current can get strong and unsafe for anyone. Our Grandfather never really allowed us to go there right off the bat. He'd always make sure that it's safe and he never failed to remind us to always be back home before the water starts to rise. And we always listened.
Every time I remember that day, all I could say to myself is, "Thank God, I survived it!" I really could have gotten seriously injured, but all I got were small cuts from climbing, a sore body from the impact, headache from the water getting into my nose, and I think that's about it.
Indeed, there are things that turned out to be worthwhile when learned the hard way. It's not really just about me learning how to swim in the most unexpected situation that I treasure the most till now. It's the memory I had with my friends on that day that will forever be in my heart.
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SMiLiES | EMOTiCONS COURTESY OF: