Icy Splash

Prompt: Set a story before, during or after a storm.

An Icy Splash

“Brrr! It’s really cold outside,” I mumbled as I peered out the frosted windows of my apartment overlooking Lake Michigan. I could see the motionless waves of the water frozen in time by the nippy Jack Frost northerly winds.

Today would be a special day because it represented the culmination of my efforts at fund raising for the Children’s hospital in Chicago. Throughout the weeks leading up to this renown event I had labored, schmoozed and cajoled others for donations to the cause. Now it was the big day to participate in the event. Regrettably, I figured none of my friends or family would be there to witness the event given the hostile weather in Chicago.

I often wondered from year to year why the organizers couldn’t make it a warm weather event. Then again it wouldn’t be known as the “Polar Plunge.” In past years I had survived the frigid Lake Michigan waters. This year seemed different however. I had a bone chilling feeling coursing through my body at the thought of taking the plunge. So much has happened since last year’s event.

I took the plunge into another relationship. To be more exact, I reinvested my heart into an old sweetheart of mine from college days. The darling of my affections weaved in and out of my life like an unfinished tapestry. Amber’s emotions, much like the undulating waves on the lake, fluctuated up and down. Nonetheless, she had a tender heart for children and just loved to watch old romantic movies. After a lengthy hiatus, I decided to reconnect with her. Regrettably, the down side of her emotions left us on the brink of another breakup. The last time we were together our encounter ended in rivers of tears cascading down our cheeks.

Oh, reminiscing brings me heart ache. I splashed some cold water on my face and then gazed out the window again. Ominous clouds had formed over the middle of the lake. Every plunge event I had been involved in had been bathed in sunshine. It helped me mentally prepare for the plunge, but not for this time apparently!

I was in the midst of getting dressed when I recalled another plunge I had taken this year. For reasons I just couldn’t remember or rather actually refused to admit, I decided to quit my job as an aloof, uncaring stock broker and follow my dream of being a pastor. I found several websites where after some study I could become ordained online. In addition to offering pastoral guidance, I would add some financial advice as well. But, my good intentions for a new future have stalled and are frozen in time. Another “plunge” on hold or rather I find my dream wallowing in the deep end.

The clock on the wall prompted me to get a move on. I donned a traditional swimsuit like one out of the early nineteen hundreds. It had long sleeves and knicker shorts below the knees. Wet suits were not permitted, so before I put on the swim apparel, I lathered myself with coconut butter to retain my body heat before and after entry into the frigid waters. I garbed myself in a long, fake fur overcoat, gloves, a Santa hat and swim fins (flippers) for my feet. I looked like an urbanized Sasquatch.

I hustled out the front door of my complex. The bank marquee across the street flashed 23F (5C). Brrr, again! The brisk walk to the shoreline generated substantial warmth. Once I arrived at the plunge point, a few of the other participants were jumping up and down to stay warm. I removed my long coat, hat and gloves joining the others.

The dark clouds were now directly above me. The lake winds started to swirl breathing a bone chilling shiver throughout my body. The skies opened up and a light snow drifted across the shore and the slushy waters where the entry to the plunge was to occur.

“Oh boy, do I really need to do this? “ I said to myself. I reminded myself that this is one plunge I can’t back out. “There are too many children counting on those pledges.”

The time to plunge was drawing near. An event coordinator signaled us to the water’s edge. He reminded us that we had to remain in waste deep water for at least two minutes in order to get validation for our pledges. “Yikes! I suspect I may need to be treated for frostbite later,” I whispered. I had forgotten about the rules.

To my surprise, a streak of sunlight poked through the clouds despite the falling snow and howling winds.

“Everything is going to be alright” I murmured.

No sooner had I said that the skies opened up with a heavy wet snow. The coordinator blew his whistle and all of us sloshed and staggered our way into the icy, glacial-type waters. Naturally, the falling snow wasn’t the only problem. The winds picked up causing the lake waters to be lifted up to our chests and necks.

Forty seconds had elapsed. My teeth were chattering and the snow was melting in my eyes. I lifted my eyes to heavens imploring God to help me. I mouthed the words from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

I was so bitter cold. I could barely feel my feet and legs. I cried out to the Lord some verses of Psalm 38: (8-11)

I am feeble and severely broken,

I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.

Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You.

My heart pants, my strength fails me,

As for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me.

My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague,

And my relatives stand afar off.

From the shoreline I heard, “Forty seconds to go!”

I saw a few of the participants struggle out of the water at that moment. I would not be deterred from finishing the plunge quest. I looked at my fingers and they had turned blue. The wind gusts had become stronger and the snow covered my shoulders and head.I would not surrender! My anxiety was peaking and then I cried out:

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91: 2)

Then the whistle finally blew and I scurried out of the water onto the sandy beach shivering and weak from the ordeal. Suddenly, I was wrapped with a large blanket and hugged closely by someone. I turned my head. It was Amber!

“I love you, you big lug! You have such a big heart! I know how much you care for others and I realized how much you really care for me. Together we can make our relationship work despite our differences and my moodiness.”

With my teeth chattering, I said, “I am so ready to take a deep plunge with you, my darling Amber.” And the snow kept falling in the Windy City.

-END-

Verses takes from New King James Version and New Living Translation.

Author: Peter M. Gautchier

Acknowledgement: Reedsy.com Prompts