As I sit on our small Intercoastal beach, I listen to a young family 100 yards away, encouraging their 8 year old brother to jump off the pier into the waiting arms of his father about 6 feet below in the water.
It reminds me of a time long ago when I was about his age. My brother and his friends were encouraging me in the same fashion, to jump off the 10-foot diving board into the deep section of Anderson Hills pool in Cincinnati, Ohio where I grew up.
“Come on Nico”, they shout to the boy on the pier. “There’s nothing to it. Jump. Jump.” After some time, they give up, going back to their play in the water, as Nico sits on the pier, not yet ready.
I recall my own experience standing on the edge of the diving board, looking down at the water, wanting to jump but paralyzed. The line of people behind me wanting to use the board was growing impatient. I hear the shouts and encouragement from below but time is frozen, my feet stuck to the board. What changed in that moment of decision? Heart pounding, I jumped, then felt the joy and release.
After that first time it was easy – up the ladder and a running jump off the end of the diving board, knowing I could do it. Knowing I would go under and resurface with plenty of time to catch my breath.
Perhaps we as a collective are somewhere in that process. Can we climb up determined to jump? Once we get to the edge can we jump off? Can we dive deep down under the water, then resurface with a gasp of breath, rejoicing in our courage and sense of adventure? Will we emerge from our quarantine ready to trust we’re more durable than we might have thought?
I hear a cheer from the other side of the pier. Nico is back with Dad by his side and the family below doing the countdown. “10, 9, 8, 7…” Nico doesn’t move. “Take your time,” says Mom from the water. Brothers and sisters are more impatient. “Are you ready? Come on!”
Dad stands casually calm, then jumps. “It’s so much fun,” he declares. Still Nico waits, a long hesitation followed by that inexplicable moment when the choice is made. He jumps. Everyone cheers, including me. All five kids are back up on the pier in no time, including Nico and off they go. Easy peasy.
We can do it. I know we can. And with each jump, we grow more confident.
May 30,2020