JENNY S. BURKE
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Falling Thru Ice: Problem Solving

4/27/2017

6 Comments

 
The ice crackled beneath my skates. My heart stopped. Cracks raced out like lightning and I fell through the ice.

I held my breath despite the shock of freezing water. Years later, I find this surprising. I was only eight.

I had a habit of exploring beyond, leaving the herd. My family was on the other side of the lake. No one saw me disappear beneath the ice. Nobody knew, and no one could help.

The water became a thick cloud of mud as I hit bottom, weighed down by winter clothes and ice skates. I stared up, searching for the hole. I couldn't see it. How long could I hold my breath?

I reached the ice, bashed a hole, and gulped air. I grabbed the ice but it broke around me. I dropped back down, chilled to the bone. 


I ran for the shore along the bottom, which was difficult in skates. The lake became more shallow the closer I got to shore, as I knew it must. I pushed up to the surface, broke the ice, grabbed a breath of air. Then I sank back down to the bottom and ran for shore again.

Push up, breathe, drop down, run. I moved slower as the cold seeped in. My hands and feet were numb.

Finally I struggled out of the lake, alone, exhausted, and freezing. I was far from anyone, and so cold! My teeth chattered as I walked awkwardly on my ice skates around the lake. I found my family, was wrapped in a blanket, and we headed home.

No doubt some were a bit annoyed at me for shortening the outing. No one knew exactly what happened. I never told all that happened, until now.

Looking back, I realize that I always planned to be a scientist. Even at eight, I knew I would be a marine biologist. Science involves problem-solving. And on that day, as an eight-year-old, I used problem-solving to survive.

I. Love. Science. Crystal Geometry and Crystal Colors help beginners learn math and science. Understanding fractions, ratios, and chemistry opens up new careers. Science is great exercise for the mind. And, learning to problem-solve quickly is useful!

I've needed a quick, problem-solving survival strategy many times . . . and I'm still here! It works! All those experiences are GREAT for writing, too! In Dragon Lightning, poor Drakor, my beleaguered ice dragon, finds himself on thin ice.

The Dragon Dreamer series has science fantasy adventure stories that include author experiences. There are strong female and male characters who solve problems intelligently and courageously. People as young as three and as mature as ninety have enjoyed these books!
6 Comments
Su S'ari link
4/28/2017 11:47:04 am

Oh my goodness that must have been very scary its good you are here to tell the tale

Reply
J. S. Burke
4/28/2017 03:15:35 pm

Thank you! It was scary, but I was focused on my plan and had little time to actually BE scared. :)

Reply
Crispian Thurlborn link
5/14/2017 09:18:28 pm

Great story, Jenny. I always find fear an interesting emotion. In some, it paralyses whereas in others it drives them to react.

Reply
J. S. Burke
5/16/2017 08:01:16 pm

Thank you! Yes, I react. I wonder why some are paralyzed by fear?

Reply
Cindi link
10/22/2020 03:24:20 am

Amazing how you tell your fears in experiences and bring such life to the stories.

Reply
J.S. Burke
9/22/2022 09:55:04 am

Thank you!
I just saw your comment.

Reply



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