I’ve swum in pools twice since my accident, and that was fine both times. But I had a feeling that getting back in the ocean would be a different story.
On our first day at the Oregon coast last week, Cari and I went down to the beach so I could get in the ocean for the first time. It was about 60 degrees outside, the water was cold AF, and I didn’t even bring a bathing suit. So the plan was only to go about ankle or knee-deep and that’s what I did.
It was fine and went according to plan, until I turned around and saw her behind me and all the memories of the accident came flooding back. I felt things I haven’t felt since that day. I cried. (Of course I cried.) I got angry — why me? Why did I have to go through all this?? We had a good little talk. I think I was able to let go of a lot of stuff.
Best of all…the next day we got back in the water again and I had fun! We walked along the waterline, got up on some of the wet rocks nearby, took a bunch of pics and videos…stuff like that.
Another baby step. Still don’t know if I’m ready to go back to Hawaii, but I’d go back to the Oregon coast tomorrow. Feels like progress. LFG 💪
