When Randy asked me what I would like to do for my birthday, my first response was GO TO IKEA!!!! Since he didn't think that was a suitable way to spend my birthday (he didn't know what he was missing), he talked me into going tubing. We used to tube in Helen, GA before Makenna was born, but we haven't been since. Last year, we were going to go to the Green River in Saluda, but children have to be 5. Now I know why.... :(
The spot is only about 40 minutes from our house, but the last 15 are on a crazy winding road that goes straight down the mountain. Our new GPS (aka Darlene) turned so many times, I think she was drunk. It was hilarious! Anyway, we decided to go for the 3 hour tubing. WE boarded an old school bus and were driven back up the river. When we got to the drop off point, the driver said, "Watch other people. You'll know when to go."
So, we did. Apparently, they allow more water at certain times of the day. So we waited and finally followed the crowd. My tube and Makenna's were tied together, and I was holding Randy's hand. At the first set of rapids, it got really rough. The next thing I knew, Makenna fell out of her tube. Yes, she had on a life jacket, but it was the single most scariest thing that has ever happened to me as a mom. Her little eyes looking at me will forever be burned into my memory.
Randy jumped out of his tube to grab her, and they ended up together going down all of the rapids on Randy's rear end. Randy's tube went on, and I was in panic mode. I got out of my tube, and the water was over my head. I couldn't get back to them. Even though I knew she was okay, I just needed to hold her. I was evidently very loud in my upset, because people were asking if everything was alright. I didn't care. I just wanted my baby to be okay.
I was determined that we were getting out and walking the rest of the way. After much convincing from Randy, we decided that it would be best to keep going until the 1 hour check just to show Makenna that we don't quit when things go wrong. (Yes, for those of you who know me... this was Randy's idea!) By the way, he didn't see her face when she fell out. I still can't get it out of my mind.
So, Makenna got in the tube with Randy, and we tied her empty tube to mine. With every rapid, I had a lot of fear, but we made it down fine. I would NOT do it again, but Randy got a $15.00 coupon to come back. So, I guess he will be looking for volunteers. I've spent 38 years trying to convince myself to be spontaneous and outdoorsy, but it never works. I think I will give up trying.
Thank you Lord for keeping Makenna safe!
4 comments:
You poor thing! I can imagine how scared you must have been! I am so glad that yall are all ok and I hope your birthday was still wonderful!
Love,Alaina
Ok, next year, please program Darlene to head to IKEA. That sounds like a birthday I would love too! I know you had to be terrified. My heart was beating in fast mode just reading. Thank the Lord that he kept you all safe!
We had a similar experience on the Green River last week. I literally almost lost my husband, my sister and her husband. Michael's tube flipped and he had his foot caught under a rock. He caught Angel when she flipped and hit her head. James was able to walk back up that class II-class III rapid to get Michael out, but went under after that. I fell off my tube but was able to hold on to the kids' tubes (We were tied together). Hunter and Breanne were safe, but I knew if I let go they would go down the river alone. They were terrified (so was I, but I kept my head and told them not to let go. and stay together if I did have to let go.) We will go back 'cause we don't want the kids to be terrified of the water, but it will take a couple weeks before we do. Michael didn't break his leg, but sprained his ankle and broke two toes. Scary!
Oh my goodness, Donna! I think the Lord might be telling us we're told old for this stuff! :)
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