NBC News statistics: The average adult has a 50/50 chance of surviving a 50-yard swim or 50 minutes in 50-degree water.
It was during this past Easter weekend that two year old Bridgette fell 20 feet into New York's East River's, 48-degree waters. Rescued by her father and a mystery Frenchman who left in a cab upon exiting the water, Bridgette survived the potential tragedy without injury.
As for the Dad's response to the incident, I'm not surprised.
My kids are eighteen and fifteen years old and if they took an accidental plunge into threatening waters you would have to hold me back to keep me from jumping in after them even though I would describe myself as only an average swimmer. Just the thought of my kids being in harms way pushes a button that defies all common sense. I know what I'm saying on this subject because I've been put to the test. An adult male neighbor had his fist raised in Mike's face a few years back, without any hesitation I slid between the angry man and my son with absolute disregard for the likelihood that I, myself, could be hit. Thankfully, nobody was physically harmed in that ridiculous episode though the thought of the man's fist in my son's face, as well as my own, still haunts me.
My kids are eighteen and fifteen years old and if they took an accidental plunge into threatening waters you would have to hold me back to keep me from jumping in after them even though I would describe myself as only an average swimmer. Just the thought of my kids being in harms way pushes a button that defies all common sense. I know what I'm saying on this subject because I've been put to the test. An adult male neighbor had his fist raised in Mike's face a few years back, without any hesitation I slid between the angry man and my son with absolute disregard for the likelihood that I, myself, could be hit. Thankfully, nobody was physically harmed in that ridiculous episode though the thought of the man's fist in my son's face, as well as my own, still haunts me.
The response of the mysterious Frenchman is not as easily understood. The freezing cold water could quickly have taken his life. Had the father of the child began struggling himself while trying to save his daughter, the Frenchman could have ended up not only unable to assist in the situation but could have lost his own life, too.
The Frenchman did not know the child and apparently had no ties to anyone at the scene, yet he unquestionably risked his own life for that of another.
I share this story because it made me consider my own willingness to put myself on the line for a stranger.
I want to say that of course I would have jumped the twenty foot drop in selfless aid of the father and daughter.
I want to say that I would not have looked around before jumping in to see if someone else would rise to the occasion, first.
I want to say that the obvious frigid temperature of the water wouldn't have made me reconsider my first instinct to dive in and do what I could.
I'd love to be able to say all of those things but unfortunately, I honestly, cannot.
I'd love to be able to say all of those things but unfortunately, I honestly, cannot.
Since the identity of the Frenchman is unknown, the parents have no way to thank the stranger for his bravery nor do any of the rest of us.
Bridgette's mother was quoted as saying,
Bridgette's mother was quoted as saying,
As for me, I would love to be able to tell the mysterious Frenchman how much his no questions asked actions were appreciated by everyone, but as for giving credit for the save, I believe the gratitude needs to go straight to the big guy_ God, himself.
For some reason, during this particular weekend, Easter weekend, these particular incidents happened at this particular place where the self sacrificing hero just happened to be.
Though not mentioned in any of the news briefs, I'm pretty sure that God was at the scene. Like that of the Frenchman, sometimes the acts of God are mysterious, too.
Dear God,
Thank you so much for orchestrating that act of selfless love this weekend and sparing the life of little Bridgette.
From having lost my almost one and a half year old son to cancer so many years ago, I know that you are with those parents who grieve the loss of a child. Still, for every parent spared that incomparable sorrow, I am indescribably grateful.
Thank you for the mystery Frenchman who reminded me of your own amazing and sometimes mysterious ways.
Dear God,
Thank you so much for orchestrating that act of selfless love this weekend and sparing the life of little Bridgette.
From having lost my almost one and a half year old son to cancer so many years ago, I know that you are with those parents who grieve the loss of a child. Still, for every parent spared that incomparable sorrow, I am indescribably grateful.
Thank you for the mystery Frenchman who reminded me of your own amazing and sometimes mysterious ways.
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2 comments:
Amen, Renee.
Thanks, Dee. Sometimes I wonder what our world could be like if we immediately gave God the glory for everything good.
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