Chan Legacy

2008.08.08

Supposedly a very good day, many people choosing to get hitched on this day; many parents choosing for their babies to be born on this day; Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony…

But on this day, we nearly lost Donald…. forever...

***

Daddy was discharged today from the hospital.  He insisted to send Oma home, together with Donald.  

Mummy was with Toria, taking a nap at home.  

When Daddy came back, he went to the pool instead, because Dr A said he should breath more fresh air instead of being in an aircon room.

Donald was with him, he was not dressed for a swim, so Daddy asked Donald to stay near to him.  

Daddy sat on the pool side chair and fell asleep.. the anesthetic effect has not totally worn off..

Donald was jumping and hopping around… and he fell into the main pool!

There were some people around at that time, but they were oblivious to what had happened!

At that moment, Daddy woke up!  (thank God!)

He looked around for Donald and thought Donald had gone home by himself…. He wanted to walk home to find Donald!

Just then, he saw Donald’s croc shoes floating on the water! By now, Donald was already in the middle of the pool.

He removed his blackberry… (amazing that he could actually think of that!) 

Dived into the pool and pulled Donald to safety.  

The two of them appeared at the door step, fully clothed but drenched.  

Daddy was frantic, talking away….

Donald was calm and composed…

***

Thank God!  Donald had started swim lessons, he knew how to hold his breathe, so at least he did not swallow water nor get water into his nose.  If he did, he would had been gone in a minute or two.

He didn’t panick, he told me he was just paddling his arms and legs.  (Children of his age have no concept of drowning…)

But still… he doesn’t yet know how to swim! He doesn’t know how to come back to the edge or come up for air!

Can you imagine if Daddy had continued in his sleep?

Can you imagine if Daddy didn’t notice his croc shoes and walked home?

Can you imagine?  Can you imagine?

The more we think about it, the more scared we are.  

How can we let this happen?  And all due to adult negligence?

At the same time, we are super thankful that God had decided it was not Donald’s time to go yet.

Donald didn’t seem to be affected much, but it was Daddy… he had nightmares after that incident.

This incident made me even more determined that Donald has to learn his water safety and swimming properly!  He must learn to turn back and hold the edge if he does fall in again… He must learn how to float on his back and wait for help! He must… he must!

***

And do you know what is the coincidence?

You know my friend, Carin, who has 2 sons, Ernesto and Emilio?  The one who owns Sol Playground Cafe Restaurant at Turf City?

Her son, Emilio nearly drowned too!  At another place, but on the same day and roughly the same time! around 4pm!

He had ventured accidentally into the deep end.  His mummy and another lady both dived in to grab him, his lips was purple by then….

Scary?  Lunar 7th Month?  I don’t know…

***

so 2008.08.08, good day?  I don’t think so…