Today is the 50th anniversary of me getting bit by a shark. I know the story is in here somewhere, I tell it often enough, but I wish I had someone to share it with. You know? I'm talking about the experience. Like someone who also got bit by the shark who bit me on that day or something. Or my mom. Though I am sure she would rather forget about it. I mean, she never talked about it, so I assume she pretty much forgot that she took a nap while her 8 year old went off to play in the ocean alone.... and then... you know. chomp chomp.
Anyways, I never did ask her some questions about what went down afterwards. Because people talk, and the talk around the pool area was that the towel guy saw the school of sharks when he was setting up before the hotel guests came down for the day and he checked again when people started to show up and he thought the coast was clear (pun intended) but the sharks did not leave, oh no they did not, they had merely moved just off to the side, which is where I decided to go swimming that day. No one checked just off to the side.
Questions I would ask today: Up until that vacation we actually stayed in my Dad's apartment that was a bit down the street from the hotel but after I got bit we stayed in the hotel for our vacations. Was that a payoff? Or was it just easier for my folks because we were getting older and you can leave kids in the hotel rooms alone easier than in an apartment down the street. At least you could in the 70's when this event occurred and parental involvement was at an all time low. To be honest, I would have preferred a little trust fund for my troubles of almost being drowned by a shark and getting my leg sliced down to the bone, but whatever. It didn't happen, no one asked me what I thought would be fair. Hahaha
Anyways, to celebrate/commemorate I am going to buy myself a little shark necklace as soon as I hit publish on this post and then I am going to wear my shark necklace for a while. Maybe for the whole year. That way wherever I am whenever the conversation lags I can lift up my necklace charm and say HEY, DID YOU KNOW THAT I AM CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF GETTING BIT BY A SHARK. LOOK AT MY NECKLACE.
Do I feel like I need something more interesting to say other than I am the full time care taker to my sick and dying husband. Yes I do! Does it get more interesting than being bit by a shark, and surviving (basically unscathed- I have a barely noticeable scar) 50 years ago? Probably, but that is what I have got so I am gonna roll with it.
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