How very true, David. By passing the course against difficult odds and standing up to the bully, I found a strength that has guided me over the course of my life.
He’s what I would call a bully. But it was suggested that he was maybe harder on me than the boys in class because he knew if I ever did have to rescue someone, I would probably have to work twice as hard and he was just preparing me.
That's probably more in line with the truth. He knew the rigors of rescue and the physical strength, especially upper body strength needed to rescue someone. I read somewhere just the other day that a scout leader told his charges, don't ever jump in the water to save someone because they will kill you. Throw a line to them. Good advice. And your story made that even clearer to me.
I think when he said “pass” and you got your papers, you should have turned around, looked at him and gave him “the Italian Salute”…complete with middle finger extended ! Ahhh, but girls didn’t do things like that then (or did they 😜).
Well Ken, that’s a great idea, looking back but it would have mortified Joe and Joanne Parrish (Mom and Dad) if I had done that. I feel I got my digs in with my fingernails when I was “saving him”. 😂🤣😁😂🤣
C.J. AGH! Your story made me so mad at David! What a mysogynistic jerk. I was co-director of a Y day camp and was also a Red Cross swim instructor at the waterfront pool. There was no way that I didn't encourage all the children who were ready to go for the different level awards...including a few who made Lifeguard. Three were girls, two were boys.
It’s funny, you don’t know what you are able to do until you have no choice. I wanted to pass the course that he didn’t want me to take in the first place.
I can't believe the girl discrimination! I think most life guards are girls. My mom was a life guard at one time post college. She's long gone but I wonder if she faced those challenges too
This one incident was instrumental in giving me the backbone to face most everything I've had to deal with through life. I'm only glad it didn't take away my feeling heart and gentle way of viewing the world. That's far more important. Thank you to all who took the time to read about this important step in my past. much love,
Standing your ground, indeed! Thank you, C.J.
Sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! Thank you, Paul, for your kind comments and for the restack.
A pleasure, C.J.!
Thanks, Paul.
Congrats on proving them wrong, Catherine!
Thank you, Wen!
Although the congrats was decades late, it’s still worth celebrating! 🩷
The whole ordeal taught me that you don’t know how strong and dedicated you CAN be until you really have to be, want to be —and choose to be.
Thank you for celebrating with me, Wen!
Some things define you and make you more than you know at the time. You stood up. I’ll bet you have thought of that many times.
How very true, David. By passing the course against difficult odds and standing up to the bully, I found a strength that has guided me over the course of my life.
That’s funny CJ, good for you…
“When in doubt, give ‘em hell!”
Well done!
Thank you, Dave!
S.O.B!! Oooo, this made me mad. Good for you. This was kind of like GI Jane and that officer who was trying to scuttle her chances for success.
Thank you, Sue, for your thoughtful support.
He’s what I would call a bully. But it was suggested that he was maybe harder on me than the boys in class because he knew if I ever did have to rescue someone, I would probably have to work twice as hard and he was just preparing me.
Your thoughts?
That's probably more in line with the truth. He knew the rigors of rescue and the physical strength, especially upper body strength needed to rescue someone. I read somewhere just the other day that a scout leader told his charges, don't ever jump in the water to save someone because they will kill you. Throw a line to them. Good advice. And your story made that even clearer to me.
The instructor was probably too immature to understand or explain his reasons, which is why he came off looking and acting like a bully.
Thank you for your response and interpretation, Sue. I really appreciate it.
I think when he said “pass” and you got your papers, you should have turned around, looked at him and gave him “the Italian Salute”…complete with middle finger extended ! Ahhh, but girls didn’t do things like that then (or did they 😜).
Well Ken, that’s a great idea, looking back but it would have mortified Joe and Joanne Parrish (Mom and Dad) if I had done that. I feel I got my digs in with my fingernails when I was “saving him”. 😂🤣😁😂🤣
👍
😲😁
C.J. AGH! Your story made me so mad at David! What a mysogynistic jerk. I was co-director of a Y day camp and was also a Red Cross swim instructor at the waterfront pool. There was no way that I didn't encourage all the children who were ready to go for the different level awards...including a few who made Lifeguard. Three were girls, two were boys.
I believe that about you, Sandy. From what you write you are a fair and caring man. David was a jerk, a muscle-bound jerk.
You are a good guy. David was a bad guy.
Way to go CJ you are one tough cookie that boy didn't have a chance
It’s funny, you don’t know what you are able to do until you have no choice. I wanted to pass the course that he didn’t want me to take in the first place.
He was twice my size.
Thank you, Kathleen
I can't believe the girl discrimination! I think most life guards are girls. My mom was a life guard at one time post college. She's long gone but I wonder if she faced those challenges too
They were probably half and half back in the 60s. Thankyou, Jane@!
Good for you! Sometimes it takes fingernails, sometimes extra brains!
Thank you, Carole.
CJ, Whatever it takes. D
Exactly, Dave.
Good story.
Thank you, Frederick. That was a long time ago, but I learned from it.
This one incident was instrumental in giving me the backbone to face most everything I've had to deal with through life. I'm only glad it didn't take away my feeling heart and gentle way of viewing the world. That's far more important. Thank you to all who took the time to read about this important step in my past. much love,
Harley, thank you for your kind words and for the restack.