As soon as my head went under the water, I panicked. The muffled underwater sounds were claustrophobic. I felt my heart beating wildly and heard all my irregular breathing, gasping for big gulps of oxygen! After several tries, I bailed on my scuba dive session. I didn't even make it off the entry platform. I was so dejected that I had chickened out. Of all places, the Great Barrier Reef was a diver's dream but I couldn't do it! ARGHGH! John was still at the gate and was surprised to see me walk up to him minutes after saying "Have fun!" We decided to snorkel instead so I can at least say that I swam in this part of the world. After an hour of floating around disappointingly, I heard someone shout my name. Dayna, the master diver who I bailed on, decided that I should not give up on this opportunity. She had organized a second attempt for me where I could be linked arm in arm with another master diver, Olivia. What?!? This was an amazing gift. I had calculated that my chance (and money) was out the window when I chose to walk away.

I checked in with Olivia moments later and found out that Kanika, a newbie, would be joining us. She had signed up with an Indian company that challenged people to conquer their fears. She had never swam, snorkel or scuba dive before so this was big for her. LOL. I felt like I was in the right company and facing similar fears. Olivia took us down, arm in arm. She was constantly adjusting my gear, reminding me to clear my mask, and checking my mental state. I felt so safe and reassured with someone there. Fortunately, soon, my confidence and comfortability being underwater were back! I was able to breathe regularly and enjoy the varied coral and fish. Ahhh.

When John was waiting for me up above, several crew members asked if his wife was diving. I didn't even know that they knew who my hubby was. At the end of the day, even more crew members checked in with me and cheered when I confirmed that I had done it! I am moved deeply by how much this crew cared, especially when the boat was completely full today and I was just another tourist. Thank you, Sunlover Tour, for making this bucket list item a success!

Do I dare to tackle another dive? Perhaps a refresher course first! LOL.