Buddha: "Yeah, it says. . ." (2 of 2)

Buddha Friday 1 of 2 Link

Where Did He Go?
Back to the Jump story. You know how time slows at moments. This was one of those times. Saw Buddha’s hands in the dark pool of mountain river water. Didn’t know how deep the water was. Only thing I could remember is that Jason didn’t know how to swim. His arms were flailing away. Why in the fuck did he jump? This gung ho personality change was going to get him killed. Not knowing how deep the pool and looking at the Rod and Brian it was clear this could get ugly real fast.

Lifeguard Lesson
Looking back. I was lucky my girlfriend Shelle at the time had a lifeguard sister, Kristy. She explained, “At times, the best way to save someone is to push them away. Because if a panicked man grabbed you, he could drown the both of you. Don’t know why this nugget of information would come to mind. But it did. Funny, it came to me when I was flying in the air. 

It's Deep
Next thing I remember was my how dark it was in the drink. Don’t remember touching the bottom so I know it was deeper than 10 feet.

Could feel his feet at my head and the only thought was push him away. “Keeping pushing. Don’t let him grab you. Keep pushing until you get some footing.” This was all I was thinking. Life gets real simple at times.

Floaties
Remember the scene in the Titanic. Right after the ship hit the iceberg. All those people climbing over each other in the freezing water, using the other passengers as floaties. This was the imagery coming to mind as I pushed. There are moments when time slows. Like that first kiss, that first car accident, that time when she said, “Yes.” This was one of those times.

More Relieved
Felt the rocks at my feet and wash of relief came over. He can stand up now. We got to the shore and his face was calm. Like it was no big deal. Took my cue from this. Thought about blasting him on how stupid this was. His risk taking behavior could have gotten us both killed. Then I remember, we dared each other.

Thankful
Never did lecture him. It’s like grabbing the child who was playing in traffic. You are more relieved that he is alive than mad for him not using his Grey matter. Adrenalin does that to people. I remember rolling my eyes, hunching my shoulders and just smiling. Looking up at Rod and Brian for what seemed forever. Buddha said, “Jump.” Shook my head. They were smart and decided to go the long way.
 

I was thankful for being there. Buddha’s jump was admirable. Not smart, too. Still, there was a lesson in this. Sometimes we need to do that. Jump. If we never jumped, if we never threw caution to the wind, if we never got in the scuffle, we would not exorcise these inner gremlins. We would never grow.

Disclaimer
Before going further, it must be said. Don't jump down a waterfall if you can’t swim. Don't throw down in a basketball fight, either. What I’m saying is that it is a choice. It's an adventure. Sometimes the choices we make will make us sick. We must give up who we are in order to become who we need to be.





Text Messages

Rod took the long way

Found that picture of that waterfall he jumped into some many years ago. Sent it to him yesterday. He put it on the background for his laptop. Buddha text-ed me, “Thank you. . .hopefully, it tells me something.” I smiled and responded back, “Yeah it says, Take swimming lessons.”  

Truth is, I love him. He reminded me that there are worse thing than dying. The picture reminds me that sometimes we need to take that leap of faith. Literally.

At times, we are guardian angels. At other times, we need guardian angels. It is our duty to pay it forward. It can come in the form life-guarding 101 lecture. It can be a jump in the drink. It can be de-escalating a fisticuffs. Remember you are the Big Smile’s gift to yourself. . .And others. It is your choice what you do with these presents. 

Chris Tucker, Friday YouTube