The Alligator Story

          Some years ago we took a tram ride in the Everglades National Park. It is an enormous park, stretching for miles, with all kinds of wildlife; birds such as egrets, herons, eagles, pelicans, and animals such as turtles, iguanas, small deer and yes, alligators. As we rode along we could see numerous alligators resting along the roadside, and we could also see a bike path next to the shallow waterways.

        As we were riding along one of the tram riders asked the tram leader, “ I was thinking, was there ever an incident with these alligators? They’re so close to us!” The tram leader replied, “Well over all these years and I’ve been doing this for 17 years, there actually was one incident.”

        “Well what happened? Tell us about it.” Some tram riders were having their own conversation and a few people burst out, “ be quiet; let the tram driver tell his story.”

        “Well what happened, was about 10 years ago. This young couple from Brazil and their 10 year old son were riding their rented bikes along this pathway where the tram goes. As you can see the tram’s path and the canal are parallel and close to each other. They were taking a bike ride and apparently the young boy was not a very good bike rider and he ran his bike right into the shallow canal and fell into the water. Unfortunately, there was an alligator lurking in the water at the same spot and within seconds it grabbed the boy in his mouth and held him in his jaws.”

        “When the mother saw her boy in the jaws of the alligator, she became absolutely terrified. For both the boy and his mom and dad this was an incredibly terrifying event. Then the most amazing thing I ever witnessed happened. I could not believe my eyes. “

        “Without a moment’s hesitation the mother jumped frantically and quickly into the water. The water was only 2 to 3 feet deep. She splashed her way up to the alligator and immediately began pounding her fists on the head and upper back of the alligator.”

        “This went on for some time, the alligator continued holding on to its prey. Then suddenly, the alligator opened its mouth and released the boy. The mother then dragged him out of the water. It all happened so fast, so very fast. People were absolutely stunned.”

        “Well that’s the story. It tells us a lot about mothers and motherhood, doesn’t it?”