I love water. A walk by the lakeside, wading my feet in a pool, taking unusually long in the shower on a lazy day. If I see a large body of water and a nearby boat next to it, I’m almost swelling with excitement.
On this particular day, heaven smiled on me and I was aboard the … sailing on the Ohio River. Yes, mama I made it. One item off my bucket list.
Aboard this beauty, my heart was full as I glanced through everyone having a great time. There were a group of ladies taking time away from life to reconnect and rant about boy-drama, a new couple on a date, maybe celebrating a honeymoon, post-engagement euphoria or even an anniversary; an elderly couple seeking to rekindle the sparks or maybe celebrating severance benefits- everyone looked content and they should be.
And so, we sailed on. Bliss.
Suddenly the music stopped and we were disturbed by something akin to turbulence. Once, twice and then constant.
“The titanic is sinking!”
That was not an appropriate joke; in fact, it was a befitting reality to the impeding gloom. And before we knew, the words were echoed and re-echoed:
“Apologies ladies and gentlemen. It seems we will not be enjoying this trip as we are facing some odd challenges with this cruise. We cannot hold on any longer. We will provide life jackets….”
You say what now?
“Excuse me sir, in case you were not told, I can’t swim and definitely not in this type of water. There’s got to be another way!”
“I’m sorry young lady, if there was another way, I would not withhold it from you.”
“But sir…”
“We need to move quickly…everyone jump, please! We are sincerely sorry.”
“Sir… please...”
“Young lady, I cannot guarantee your safety if you remain on here and I cannot even guarantee your safety if you jump but would you rather do nothing and die or at least die trying?’
I gathered up my courage. This was the scariest thing I have ever done. I took two steps back, grabbed the life jacket and leaped in faith…. With a prayer of course and it was not long before I landed… on my bed.
I had been in my room the whole time, sleeping comfortably, or rather panting uncomfortably because such dreams…
****
There are certain decisions I have had to make without any assurance of success. I guess most times, the good in life is often covered with the bad; the rose has thorns, and opportunities may come with challenges. Sometimes, the only way out is through.
There are times and there will be times when it won’t make sense but you will have to do it; when it will hurt but you’d have to do it, when you would be scared, tired, worn out but you’d have to do it still.
About a year ago, I made a decision that drove me to my wits end. There was so much to sacrifice, so much at stake... but as the days wore on, I had no choice but to jump. Like the sinking ship, there was no guarantee of survival either way and I had to jump.
Through all this, I have found the serenity prayer to be most effectual because we all need the wisdom, the courage and the serenity to make the decision and live with it, to weather the challenges and ultimately pull through.
I hope in whatever situation, you will do the right thing… even if it entails taking a leap of faith when you cannot see the staircase.
PS: I still love water and still go for boat cruises. Dreams aint got nothing on me. I mean what are the odds?
