When I struggle with big challenges today, it helps me to remember how I survived a near physical shutdown as a child. At eight years old, I learned that sometimes your body tells you what you need, even when you don’t understand it. I had never heard of sunstroke. I didn’t know first aid. I only knew I needed to sit in water. In hindsight, I realize God was guiding me. And I’m grateful my mother, Joy Washburn Gillis, was willing to listen.
Summer Baton Training
In second grade, I wanted to be a majorette and twirl a baton. My mom signed me up for a local team, where I went weekly for lessons, practice, and occasional events. During the summer, we were invited to attend a one-day camp with teams from all over the Miami area.
Summer can be brutally hot in Miami. But our day camp was to be inside a school gymnasium, away from the hot sun. After we were all dropped off at the school, the leaders discovered the gymnasium was locked. They tried to find someone to let us in but were unsuccessful. They decided to hold the camp outdoors. Bad idea.
This was in the early 1970s, so we didn’t have cell phones. As kids, we just went along with what the adults told us to do. Obviously, none of this would happen today without severe consequences for the program. But it was a different world back then.
Long Day in the Heat
We spent the whole day outdoors doing exercises and drills. The Miami summer sun was unrelenting. The field had one pavilion where we could take our water breaks. Then we were right back out in the sun.
We didn’t have nearly enough water, either. The water coolers were intended for indoor exercises, not excessive sweating outdoors. Back then, people didn’t carry water bottles around like they do today.
I Need to Sit in Water
By the time my mom picked me up, I was wilting. We stopped at a convenience store, where she bought me a Coke as a pick-me-up. That was a common practice back then when anyone felt faint. It helped but not enough. The whole ride home, I didn’t feel good at all.
I didn’t know what was happening to me, other than being out in the heat for too long. I didn’t know the word sunstroke or what to do about it. I only knew I needed to sit in water, and I told my mom. She asked my dad to turn on the sprinklers, and I sat in the yard, just letting the cool water soak me.
Then she asked if I’d like to go across the street to our neighbors’ pool. They often let me swim in their pool. I told her I would like to sit in the water on the pool steps in the shade. I didn’t move from the steps, just sat there, letting the water surround me. I didn’t feel any better, but I wasn’t getting worse.
As an eight-year-old, I didn’t know that cooling the body from the outside is an important part of treating sunstroke. I didn’t learn that till years later when I took a first aid class. I just knew what my body needed: to sit in water. I am grateful my mom listened.
She was worried; she didn’t know what to do. We didn’t have internet back then where things could be looked up quickly. She had never encountered this issue. But she trusted what I told her I needed. That turned out to be the best thing she could have done.
Dinner Down the Street
A neighbor had invited my parents and me for dinner. My mom thought about canceling, but I wanted to go. Not because I felt like eating or visiting. But because I didn’t want to stay home, feeling isolated and sick. I wanted connection, a sign of life. Once again, my mom listened.
I napped in the guest bedroom while the adults ate dinner. When I woke up, I knew the danger had passed. I was ready to eat for the first time since breakfast. The baked chicken and boiled tomatoes tasted amazing. I felt weak but alive again. I knew I’d be okay. My mom was relieved.
I believe God was with me through that ordeal, prompting me with what to do. I believe He also gave my mom the wisdom to listen to what I needed. To this day, I am grateful that my mom let me say what I needed instead of trying to figure out a different way.
Today, when I feel overwhelmed by a challenge, I often remember that day in the Miami sun and my recovery. I didn’t know what was going on. I just knew I needed to do the next thing. That’s exactly what helps me get through challenges today too.
Exploring Generations 