Jason's First Swimming Lesson

Sometimes I'm happy to be the last person in Bangkok without a hand phone.

Today Jason went for his first swimming lesson. The pool is huge and there is no toddlers' section. The teacher, Mr. John, told me not to use his floating swimsuit. Jason was terrified. He was bawling and fighting when I put him in the pool. I walked away and let the professional do his job. Miraculously, after ten minutes, Mr. John had him paddling around the deep end using only his noodle and a smile.

When the lesson was over, the boys didn't want to get out. I told them "ten more minutes" and Thun tried to help Jason get on the raft. Immediately, he fell into the deep and sank to the bottom.

Immediately, I jumped in and pulled him out. Jason was bawling again and now he won't go near the pool.

"Thanks a lot," said Mr. John, "in five seconds you ruined 30 minutes of good work."

My street clothes were dripping wet, and I looked like a fool pulling my drenched wallet, cards, badge, papers and money out of my pockets. My friends were laughing, "Hey Mick, how's your phone?"

"Hah!" I laughed back, "I don't have a phone!"