Wednesday, January 23, 2008

3WW - "The Date"

Breath, Scattered, Tomorrow

I was terrified that I had finally went too far. I said yes but maybe I should have voiced my fears that night on the phone. Something in his voice calmed my scattered thoughts, forgetting my limitations. The idea to go river rafting, before my illness, would have impressed me for a date so my old thought processor jumped at the chance. That’s the problem when your body deteriorates, your brain keeps forgetting what your body is capable of.

I spent extra time in dressing the part of a hot, athletic girl (ok, my walker was a tad distracting). This was a very important date, feelings were developing and I wanted to look like I was in control. I was concerned that the forecast predicted 102 degrees for today. I’m like a Cinderella at midnight but instead of turning into a pumpkin I turn into a rag doll in extreme heat. I sat on the couch waiting for him to come and pick me up, while convincing myself I could do this.

On the drive to the river I sensed a little nervous tension so I started asking questions. He reluctantly admitted he had never rafted before and he had reserved a private raft. We would be on our own but he assured me there were no rough rapids. I masked my panic while constantly reminding myself to breathe. When we arrived, I realized getting to a raft and into it might be the hardest part of the day. He gently helped me down to the cool, calm water and I felt myself start to relax.

When they pointed to our raft, we both gasped as the same time. It was huge and held up to six people. We also found out it was a five-hour ride to the pick up location. I knew right then this was not a good idea but he was very special so I took a deep breath and prayed. They handed me an ore and I took it but my arms dropped to the bottom of the boat with its weight. My partner not wanting to show his fear asked the guy if there was help along the way in case we needed it. A few houses was his only reply as they pushed us off down the river.

We were armed with life vests and two ores, I sat in the front and he manned the rear. The river took us through tree branches and over sandbars where we became stuck but as a team we began to find a rhythm. The river was so still in some places that I had to row and it took everything I had as the sweat from the sweltering sun beat down on our heads. We would finally get a moment to enjoy the serenity of the river when another obstacle would arrive. Taking a dip was not an option due to how hard it would be to get back in but they had a rest stop with restrooms. The cool water beckoned me as my make-up was slowly dissolving down my face. I was not a pretty sight as I began to slowly wilt as my face turned red as a beet. My partner in crime was starting to panic and we were entering hour number three.

He spotted a house and used all the power he had to steer us under a tree onto the bank. He cupped his hands with water to cool my body and when I was feeling better he hiked up the bank, disappearing into the brush, as I waited. He eventually reappeared and dragged me up the bank into an air-conditioned van. The driver was a sweet lady and asked us how long we had been married. We replied that we had just started dating and she said that the way he was with me she would have never guessed we were newly dating. I smiled at him with new eyes as the lady turned back and said tomorrow is supposed to be cooler. We looked at each other and laughed because unless we were with a group we would never do that again.
Photo from Stockxpert

28 comments:

Chris said...

That is so sweet! I need to be a better husband. I'm pretty damn good, but I could always be better. You two inspire me to do that.

TC said...

This is an amazing story, Tammy.

I spent extra time in dressing the part of a hot, athletic girl (ok, my walker was a tad distracting).

Loved that. The humor in that wanting to be like every other girl even when something got in the way, is fabulous.

turquoise cro said...

Phew! Even then he knew what YOU needed! That is a SWEET romantic story Tammy! (((((Dave&Tammy)))))

Sherry said...

Sweet and romantic absolutely!! Daring, risking, going through something because it was important...memories and strength and someone very, very special who has made the journey beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I love reading about your adventures...What a truly chivalrous 'knight in shining armor' you found, Tammy - though it may not have been the ideal date, it certainly helped prove what an ideal mate he would make!
~xOx

Beau Brackish said...

Romantic and lovely. Sounds like an important date indeed.

Tumblewords: said...

How lovely and romantic. On my best days, I'd avoid rafting. You are a brave lady!

Anonymous said...

so very sweet and from the heart tammi, you always write from the heart. loved it.

emmapeelDallas said...

Beautiful, Tammy! I really enjoyed reading this...you and Dave are perfect together.

:)

Anonymous said...

This is truly uplifting. I love your site - words, images and music. Thank you.

JP (mom) said...

I'm glad that ambitious trip ended well! Thanks for sharing this story ... sending you peace & love, JP/deb

Anonymous said...

tammy, i really love your posts. so uplifting, so beautiful...

i am very glad that you are back into writing..


if tomorrow comes

Bedazzzled1 said...

Hello, sweet one. Please forgive me for the massive lapse of time since I have been here. You are often in my thoughts, because there is no one quite like you. Such a remarkable woman you are. You exude goodness from every pore.

This story was very touching. You two were destined to be together. A gentle couple who has discovered the way to treat one another and how to make the most out of life.

Your new home is beautiful. I expected no less. *smile*

I will stop back again soon. I have much catching up to do.

I love you~

Nikki

Nancy said...

Tamela,
I often lack the words to adequately comment on your incredibly special entries. Your words captivate me, and that's a hard thing to do.
I can form a picture in my head, feel the feelings that are implied, and end up wanted to hug you tight and tell you again and again how much I love you.
It all sounds a bit romantic! I just adore so much of you.
OK...enough. Right?
I'll call ya today or tomorrow.
xo
Nancela

Jana B said...

OMW... that sounds awesomely sweet yet completely terrifying.

But you made it, and look what an awesome story it made!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Having read this, I admire you all the more. I understand how you can be torn between wanting and doing. Sometimes the doing is worth it though.

paris parfait said...

Oh, sweetie, what a story! From the very beginning, you believed in each other. So sweet and romantic. xoxox

Giggles said...

I felt anxious reading this story!
Can't imagine how I'd feel participating! So much love, each caring for the other! Your tenacity is amazing! Thanks for sharin!

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

What a great story! I was there with you all the way. I've never done it in real life, tho'....

Pam said...

Wonderful story, can you clone Dave?

little wing writer said...

i admire your willingness to plunge into life .. and that man is a keeper .. sensitivity to others goes a long way .. oh, and that story was beautifully told ... you brought us in to your world .. thank you **smiling**

Sandy said...

That is the most sweet and touching story, Tammy...I loved it. It's easy to see why he won your heart.

BTW, I wanted to let you know that when you visited my blog you gave me an idea for the creation of a new one...Sensual Senryu...I thought I'd let you be the first to see it since it was your idea, in a manner of speaking. :)

S

Anonymous said...

I love how you write and I love your beautiful love stories. What a sweet and beautiful man. What a wonderful couple you make, a true team. Total love.
Thanks for sharing this.
XOXOX

daisies said...

wow ~ what a beautiful story, thank you so much for sharing it.

:) the love you two share was apparent right at the beginning, that makes me smile, xox

Amber said...

Oh Tammy. This is so great, I can't even say. How sweet and romantic, and just wonderful. And how brave you are! I wouldn't even do that now. LOL! I am a chicken. pock pock!

:)

Christy Woolum said...

Just seeing the pictures made me anxious and the suspense built, but oh my what a happy ending for you. I think it is so important that we remember these acts of kindness from the special people in our lives.

Clare said...

Hi Tammy! I felt the suspense in this and kept holding my breath, afraid that the raft would capsize or pop or that you'd get really sick. Your spirit of adventure and being a good sport is awesome. And the ending was so romantic and caring, and I love how you "smiled at him with new eyes."
:)

Rachel said...

Such gorgeous sharings as ever honey