My life has been full of weird moments. Moments that have stayed
with me. Little things that my family has done over the years to cement my
fears into, may I
say, perfectly rational if unlikely paranoia. It has
over time shaped the very actions I find to be normal anymore. This is the
first installment of what I like to call, my downfall of normalcy.
My first memory of going to a beach was when I was in Elementary
school. My family would take the annual road trip to Cape
Cod, Massachusetts to visit my Grandparents. We would visit my Dad's
parents. This would be the side of the family, that paraphrased, would
kill each other if ever brought together under one roof. Anyway, one
morning my Grandmother, Nanny, took me down to the beach. I was very excited, I
had only ever seen a beach on TV when my dad would watch BayWatch. Alas, no
bouncing or hair lifeguards were present, which was quite disappointing.
Upon seeing the water I went tearing across the sand, readying
myself for the cold water and the joyous time I was sure to have.But before I
could jump into that slightly blue water to "swim" with Ariel and
Flounder, Nanny stopped me. She decided this was the point in my life where I
should learn about sharks. She didn't start small with little kid science like,
"Sharks are like Big Fish," or "Sharks are very smart." She
went straight to the chapter on Bull Sharks.
Have You Seen A Bull Shark?
That fish doesn't have your best interest in mind.
My Grandmother goes on to tell me how Bull Sharks are made to ruin
your day. First of all they can swim in Salt and Fresh water. Do you know what
that means? That means if they want to, they WILL find you. It's not a matter
of where. Secondly, they are adept at attacking in murky and
muddy water. I don't know if you've ever been to Cape Cod. It's all dark
and murky. The only time you can see the sand is when it's on the beach.
As soon as you hit water, your guess is as good as mine. Third, they
don't telegraph their attacks. They sneak attack you and drag you
under. Hahaha, have you seen a little kid? We don't get above 4ft
tall til middle school. I could "disappear if I walked out 5 feet from
shore.
Remember I was in 1st grade at most when she told me all this. I
stood, basically in my underwear (early 90's swim suits were dreadful)
processing this information. My Grandma stood smiling at me, saying "Are
you ready to go in the Ocean now?" I looked out at the beach, I looked
back into the eyes of that kind, but crazy old lady, and I said this....
Me: "Nanny....I'm going to go make a sandcastle."
Nanny: "How long do you want to make sandcastles?"
Me: "Til Bull Sharks aren't going to eat me
anymore."
Needless to say, I only swim in pools now.
