December 25, 2022. A poignant story…

 December 25, 2022.

25 years ago, a man named Jean Paul, aka Paulo, started a tradition. He gathered together 4 friends, and on Christmas morning they went to the lake and ran into the freezing cold water. The next year, the 4 friends gathered again and a few others joined them. And so it continued. Some years, the friends were joined by lots of others and in other years, there were only a few. Some people did it only once…that was enough. Others, like Francis, stuck with it year after year. 

This year was different. This year Paulo was very sick. He couldn’t swim in the lake. His friends decided that they would jump into the lake just like always, and he could watch it on WhatsApp, as they took the plunge. Unfortunately, yesterday, December 24, Jean Paul, aka Paulo, died.

This morning was different than the years before. 

Many many people showed up. Even the media from 2 television stations came.

They gave speeches. 

The original ones made signs. 

They all decided to jump into the freezing cold lake in memory of their friend. 

Sarah, too, decided to jump into the lake with Francis to remember Paulo.

Everyone was tense and excited. Waiting….waiting….

Then, there was a count-down and…. They ran, They walked. They jumped for joy.

Some got out quickly while others lingered….

Afterwards, everyone was energized and happy.

Sarah and Francis had a unique, shared experience.

But will Sarah do it again? Only time will tell….