Tears In My Goggles…

  We headed out on our boat this morning for a three hour manatee tour. I asked about alligators and they assured me they don’t usually make an appearance. I asked for clarification of the word “usually.” Regardless I was determined to not let fear get in the way of me getting a chance to hang out with these giant love bugs. 

  Panicking in water is a very real thing for me. I have only snorkeled a few times in Hawaii and I have to say I didn’t really enjoy it.  My first snorkeling experience was on our honey moon in Maui thirty years ago. I put on a mask and fins and followed Jimmie out to see what we could find. Every colorful fish or creature would lure Jimmie a little further with me following closely behind. I did not want to be left behind. When I finally pulled my head out of the water we were what felt to me like miles from land. I panicked, started crying and never wanted to snorkel again. That was the beginning of my thirty years of me following Jimmie anywhere. 

  The fact that this wasn’t ocean water where I could get separated helped me feel better, that and sheer determination. The water was clear and shallow. It was fascinatingly beautiful to see the grasses growing underneath. Fish swam by not even seeming to notice me. I stayed calm determined to not let fear sink in. I poked my head out of the water and our guide pointed down as I put my head back under the water a massive body was right beside me. He slowly swam by and I was in awe at the size of the gentle giant beside me. They weigh about 3,000 pounds. Rio my horse weighs only about 1,200 pounds. He swam away from us so our guide decided it would be best to find a manatee who felt like chilling out with us. If that was my only experience today I still would have been grateful.

  Soon we were back in the water. I was cool as a cucumber and patiently looking and waiting when I felt a presence under me. I looked down and a mammoth manatee swam right under me. I replayed the video in my head. Stay calm, stay still, he knows I am here, he doesn’t want to hurt me. He doesn’t mind being this close to me. I crossed my arms and just let him pass as I nervously watched his graceful body swim quietly underneath me. Once he passed I popped my head out and looked at the guide and said “OH MY GOD” as she assured me I was doing great. Before long we found two friendly manatees. They would swim up right in front of us to take a breath their kind, sweet faces inches from mine. At one point he opened his mouth in front of me and I saw his cute little teeth. One swam so close to me I felt his body touch me. I was elated. It was so beautiful! These giant gentle souls were so hospitable to us. They could swim away if they wanted but they let us just hang out with them! I started to pray and thank Jehovah for this opportunity and for his genius creations and my eyes filled with tears. Then My mask made funny gargling noises and I realized it was from my tears of joy but I didn’t dare take a moment to fix the mask hence I miss a moment with my new friends.

  The real highlight was when we found a mama and her baby. She generously shared her little baby with us. At first I wondered if she would be protective or annoyed with us being so close. She is a protective mother after all, but she didn’t seem to mind. Baby was nursing when we first saw them, she saw us and seemed as curious about us as we were her. She would swim right up to us. I looked right into the eyes of this precious little young one. 

  This was by far the most peaceful, wonderful thing I have ever done in my life. I couldn’t stop saying prayers of appreciation. The shear size of these creatures was awe inspiring. They were like giant elephant swimming puppy dogs. It was magical, a day I will never ever forget.