RhoenCatolico Photography

Today, I felt so stressed for not being able to sleep. The images of ate Ym—jumping up and down the pool –and the thought of what-if’s are still very fresh in my mind.

Yesterday was a warm Sunday. Specs of rain water dropped just enough to wet the concrete pavements and the grasses around. It wasn’t like the normal Sundays that we used to spend. But after few hours, the rain stopped and the sun showed up. It was almost 3 in the afternoon.

After waking up from an afternoon nap, Amy and I decided to do some little cooking and bring the kids out to the pool. At first, we were thinking of bringing the kids out to the mall and have dinner afterward. But, after presenting our plans to the kids, they decided to just do some family time in our place—by the pool.

We immediately got up and prepared our food –beef burgers, pancit with tuna, tuna salad, and some oven-toasted chips with CheezWhiz. Since Suey, Grace, and Ike were coming down to our place, we called them up for some cold cola drinks.

We stayed in the condo’s gazebo. Kuya EJ and ate Ym dashed towards the “big” pool with excitement. Then she asked:

“Papa, can I go to the big pool? I am too big for the kiddie pool. I am already 5 years-old!”

“No, ate,” I answered.

“Please, papa—“ she begged.

“Do you still know how to swim?” I inquired.

“Of course, papa! I miss this pool!” she retorted.

Before going back to the Philippines last November 2008, she was already using the big pool for her water plays. I told both of them to stay on the edge of the shallower part of the pool. I also instructed kuya EJ not leave ate Ym alone. After some careful instructions, I went to meet Amy and Ylla in the gazebo and sat for while—played with ylla and handed Amy the camera for some shots.

An hour passed and we called the kids up to have some food. A bite of burger and off they went again for a dip!

After some few “bite-and-dip” stuff, I heard Amy asking kuya EJ where was ate Ym? I could feel the rush of blood in my ears as soon as I heard Amy’s voice. From a distance, I saw ate Ym jumping up and down. She looked as though she was just playing, but—

“No! She’s not playing! Somebody grab her!” I shouted suspiciously while holding Ylla in my arms.

“Kuya, si ate ym!” Amy’s voice boomed.

Kuya EJ, who was some 20-feet away from ate Ym, flipped-off, broke the waters with his freestyle and breaststroke, reaching ate Ym almost instantly—grabbed her and brought her 3 meters back to the poolside. People around were just chatting and looked as if nothing serious was happening. I can’t blame them, though.

Ate Ym stood on the edge, look at me and Amy from afar. I waved and motioned to come to us. She ran towards me, looked afraid that I might scold her. I looked at her teary-eyed then she said, “I’m good, papa! I am okay!”

“No, you are not!” I told her.

“Yes, papa, I am okay!” she replied, but I didn’t take her assurance just yet.

I asked Amy to change her and so with Kuya EJ and signaled them to call it a day.

After changing to dry clothes, I gave Ylla to Amy’s cousin and followed ate Ym who took a seat some 8-feet away. I sat by her side and put my arms around her shoulders.

“Are you okay?” I asked her softly.

“I am good, papa.” She answered with a soft voice and hugged me.

“I almost drown, papa!” She whispered and hugged me tighter.

I couldn’t say a word or two. I scooped her up in my arms and thanked God for her safety.

I kissed and hugged kuya EJ and told him that I am so proud of him! Our hero of the day! I couldn’t ask for more!