Surface and Dive

Last weekend was the final hurrah for our local outdoor pool.

At one point, I stood at the shallow end mesmerized by the site of The Rooster straddling her father’s back in the deep end.

K dove and surfaced like a dolphin while Rooster clung to him, her arms wrapped around his neck and her legs around his waist.

Suddenly, I was transported back in time riding my own magical sea dragon.

My childhood pool materialized before my eyes and I could see the diving board, the lifeguard stand and the kids playing Marco Polo in the shallow end.

I became myself as a little girl hanging on to my own father’s back.

I was not yet capable or confident enough to swim in the deep end on my own, but on my father’s back I felt safe.

At the time, I knew for certain that my father was invincible, infallible, indomitable.

He was my hero.

On his back, I didn’t have to be afraid. I could simply enjoy the thrill of the water and the adventure of its depth.

Shifting back to the present, I watched The Rooster experience her father the same way and smiled.