Saturday. A very busy day.
At noon, we needed to be at the public pool for a cub scout swim party. Skip had to be out of town, so I needed to tackle this on my own. We had gone to the pool on Wednesday, and with the help of good friends, it was enjoyable-ish. I knew Saturday would be really crazy and really packed.
I was dreading it.
We camped out under the pavilion with several friends and a loving grandma, who watched Wingman sleep in his stroller. After an hour, I began to relax. And by relax, I mean that I wasn't twitching anymore.
I scanned the pool to look for Z and Loulabelle. I saw Lou, but didn't see Z. Nowhere. I saw all of his friends and their dads, but no Z. When did I last see him? I don't know.
I started to panic and ask friends if they knew where he was. No one did. The parents started to look more carefully and offer help. Coming toward me was our nephew that we brought with us for moral support. He looked very serious and asked if I knew where Z was.
My stomach dropped. I was hoping that Z was with him. Further panic ensued. I ran to the nearest lifeguard who was not the most helpful.
Me: "Excuse me. What should I do if I can't find my son?"
Lifeguard: (looking dazed and confused) "What should you do if you can't find your son? Umm.
After the initial shock wore off, the lifeguard jumped into action and alerted all the others with his whistle. They all began to scan the water. That is a horrible feeling knowing that they are looking on the bottom of the pool for your child.
Lifeguard: "Would he have gone on the slide?"
Me: "Not by himself. I don't think so."
Just then our nephew, who I sent to search the bathroom, walked up. He had tears in his eyes and he looked really afraid. He checked all the stalls and showers, no Z-man.
With that, I was rendered completely useless. I couldn't think. I couldn't move. I could only pace back and forth trying to make sense of what was happening. How much time had passed? I don't know. It seemed like an eternity.
Finally, I heard shouts. I looked around to find Alana and her husband standing with Z. Relief poured over me. My legs turned to jelly as the adrenaline wore off. I ran over to them and grabbed Z in my arms. I didn't want to let him go. Ever.
Apparently, he thought he was with his cousin. They had a plan to go to the slides but they miscommunicated about which slide they were going to. Both boys thought the other was right behind them. Honest mistake.
Even now, three days later, I feel the panic rise up in me. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending but I am reminded that life can change in the blink of an eye.
I am off to hug on some kids. Whether they want me to, or not.
