When Life Happens…

In today’s post, I will be responding to option #3 of this week’s questions.

My friend's hand outstretched while swimming

This photo I shared today is so dear to me for several reasons and I will tell you why I decided to share it with you all.

It was a photo of my friend taken by me at the Presidential Hotel swimming pool in Rivers, Nigeria at exactly 12:32 pm on the 15th May 2021 by my iPhone 8 plus camera.

After the passing of my dad, I went into an early stage of depression – I was having a complete mental breakdown. I was unable to eat properly, sleep enough, or even think straight – I was a total mess. Within this time, I looked inward as I am highly self-motivated but I could not pick myself up and keep moving. Coupled with the grief, I had to deal with extended family drama that did not allow me to grieve peacefully.

I was hurting inside and I needed an escape.

Luckily, I had a friend who made me his priority around this time and kept checking up on me daily making sure I was okay at every point in time. During our usual conversation, I had spoken of how swimming helped me get through losing my grandmother when I was 13years old and he listened.

On this sunny Saturday morning, he came over to my house and asked me to get into his car so we could take a drive around the area – this was also therapeutic for me within this period. With zero hesitation, I sat in the passenger’s seat, ready to leave. He asked for a minute as he dashed into my house and came back with a nylon bag. I had a whole lot on my mind, so I did not seek to know the content in the bag.

We set out, drove for a while, and finally arrived at the Presidential Hotel gate. I looked at him – a bit perplexed – I trusted him, so I did not question his choice of location. We parked and he led the way as we arrived at the poolside. At that moment, I let off a huge smile and hugged him real hard. As important as swimming was to me, I could not get myself there on my own – he did that and I appreciated him for it.

Apparently, when he went back inside my house, he went to get my swimwear from my sister who was already aware of his plan.

I wasted no time as I changed, showered, and dived straight into the pool. I felt like a huge burden had been lifted off my shoulder. I could not hold back the tears so I let them out and I felt better afterward.

I swam until I was super exhausted and I sat down at the edge of the pool as I watched my friend swim back and forth trying out different swimming styles.

I took a couple of photos for memory's sake and this one was a significant one because I took the shot as he stretched forth his hands to pull me back into the water, gave me a big hug, and told me the storm will pass and everything will be okay.

Those words meant a lot to me! He did not lie!

I am getting better with each passing day and I remain hopeful always.

It is with great pleasure I participate in this week’s question options. Thank you @galenkp for these fun and creative questions.

Thank you for your precious time!

Till I come your way again…
Season’s Greetings and Bye for now!