He just didn't see it coming.

While the kids and I were in Florida, my sister Lori and her husband Ben hosted their annual salsa-making, pool party.  It is a fun event they've now done for 3 or 4 years and this was the first one we attended.  Ben is known around town for his delicious salsa and was all too happy to give a few lessons and have guests try their own hand at making fresh salsa. 

Ian was very excited and got into the act making his salsa on the sweet side (apples!) and with absolutely no spice or kick to it.

Towards the middle of the afternoon, we all changed into our bathing suits (or "bathing soup" as Sam refers to it) and went in the pool.  One of Lori's friends, Alex, is a big guy at 6'7", with a heart of gold and as gentle as they come despite his looming stature.  Alex and Ian were playfully splashing each other and without any warning, Alex picked Ian up from behind and lifted him up towards the sky - way up high, above the pool water - and threw him in the deep end.  Ian, who only up until this past Spring was even comfortable putting his head underwater didn't see it coming.  Those who were witness to this spontaneous act of craziness on Alex's part were in awe and shock waiting for Ian to come to the surface.  I couldn't believe anyone would do this to a 6 year old and not find out if it would be okay first (if not with the child, then at least with their mom).  Alex had absolutely no idea that this was something Ian wouldn't like.  When Ian finally was able to breathe, he had the most traumatized, shocked look on his face and within 5 seconds realized he should be crying.  We got him out of the pool and to a nearby chair to calm down.  I looked at Alex and said, "He didn't even have his googles on."  It was bad. Very bad.  Alex felt horrible and wanted to make it up to Ian.  He kept apologizing over and over again.  Alex offered to let Ian push him in or do anything he wanted so that he'd feel better. 

Within 10 minutes, Ian was back in the pool. And believe it or not, was playfully splashing with Alex again. This time with his googles on.  And, this time we all told Alex that he might not want to make that mistake again.