My earliest memory is of looking up through a blue-green haze of water.
I think I was about three. I don't actually remember what happened, but it was explained to me later. We were at the beach, and my aunt was standing in the water chatting with someone while holding me on her hip. Somehow I must have slipped or climbed down, because I ended up sitting on the pebbly lake floor with at least a foot or two of water above my head.
I don't remember struggling to breathe, or if I did, it didn't bother me. All I remember is staring up through the water feeling very calm and peaceful, and a faint sense of interest and surprise at the sudden change in my world.
I'm told that a few seconds later my aunt realized what had happened and scooped me up again, panicking.
Extraordinary Circumstances: First, that I could have drowned, though I was really only under for a few seconds. Second, that I was so calm about it, as though I wasn't yet old enough to realize that I was in danger.
Personality: I feel like my identity now is very different than it was then, though perhaps not my personality, if that makes sense. I actually feel like a different person than I was even just four months ago. But I realize that certain elements of my personality are the same, such as my tendency to appreciate the beauty and experience of potentially dangerous situations rather than doing the smart thing and running for safety.
Other Information: My aunt was very dear to me and passed away a few years ago, so this memory is very special to me. I think that's why I can still remember it.
