A True Tale

Carla, for you, in your grief, know they are always with us.

My grandson, Andrew, at a younger age had a dog named Clyde, a rat terrier. He loved this dog. You know boys and their dogs! Well, sadly, after a couple of years together, we lost Clyde(That's another story, key words: neighborhood business, poison!) It was very difficult for Andrew. The only thing that comforted him was knowing he was in heaven and Grandma(my mother) was playing with him.

There is a swimming hole that many people visit during the warm long days of summer. It runs swiftly through a culvert under a low water bridge. Younger children are cautioned to stay BELOW the culvert.

Andrew's mother took him swimming. I said keep an eye out. WELL, Andrew was wading away from the culvert and Maria just walked up the creek to talk to some friends...just for a minute, Mom, I was watching, Mom...NOT!

Maria's story was, when she came back, Andrew was laying on the towel and quite pale. FINALLY concerned with her son's welfare, she asked Andrew what was wrong. Andrew replied I got sucked into the culvert, Mom, I'm okay.

Let me describe the danger of this culvert. The water is swiftly funnelled to this point and completely fills the culvert. It is wide enough for two cars to drive over, this is the length. I am not sure of the exact circumference but the current, the power, the danger is unmistakable. An adult pulled through may be able to hold his breath long enough to be shot out the other side into large rocks. Once in the current, it is so swift there is no going back. Needless to say, I do not think a small child could survive.

Andrew and I were talking later, privately, and he related the story to me in much more detail than he had shared with his mom. When asks what happened he said I was playing and got too close, Nana, the water sucked me in. I said Andrew how did you get out. He said I was holding onto the edge with both hands and my body was going away with the water. (He was about five at this time.) At this point, I am thanking God and cursing my daughter, in my mind, not out loud. I said what did you do, Andrew said, I had my eyes closed but I opened them cause I couldn't hang on (Oh, my God!) and it was hard to hold my breath!!!! In wonder, I asked how did you ever get out. He said when I opened my eyes, Clyde was there and Grandma too and they pulled me out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and then I went to lay down cause I was tired and then Momma came back. I'm okay Nanna and I am glad Clyde was with Grandma.