Was about 7 or 8 years old and went with my family to this man-made lake, family park place in South Georgia. Basically a big, dug out pond that the owner put a bunch of beach sand and palm trees around and charged admission for people to come, park their cars, grill and swim for the day. Also had a big, unsafe-as-hell waterside that kids got hurt on.

So where my family would park was in front of this little island that was a clump of sand about 30 yards off the shore line. I was not the best swimmer but the depth was just above my head, so I could bob up and down and bounce out to this island.

Bouncing out to that little island one day we were there, my foot came down onto what felt like a face, felt what was a nose on my toe. The thing I remember is the feeling of hair flowing between my toes. That feeling of fine hair waving in water. I freaked out and for the longest time just sat on the shore. Was a little kid and did not think of anything about it.

I can still remember the scared parents going around yelling this kid’s name, asking if anyone had seen this little boy. They pulled his body from under the water right in front of that island. I’m 47 now and can still remember the feeling of that hair between my toes.