TSandM,
You know, I consider myself lucky I really do! I have done multiple DSD dives over the years all-going off without a hitch lending to my sense of over confidence and ignorance. I had a minor incident at a shallow depth, which opened my eyes and through ignorance not being an excuse right out the window! If I have taken anything from this thread, it is one being responsible for their own self, self-reliance, and self-rescue! I like this concept and somewhat comforted that I’m not just paranoid, crazy, or eccentric and in fact, this is the norm. However, I must admit after the realization that truly there are volumes more I don’t know than know I feel little daunted, behind (as there so much I think from the OW course, and even recently completed OW refresher I don’t feel as good as I should be with), and some what fearful, which I believe breeds respect. The plus side as you said, really first step recognition, and then the fun part getting to practice! A new LDS acquaintance (DM/Instruct.), said to me during one of our last chats and one I like to believe “diving is perfectly safe when you follow the rules and always observe SAFETY first!”
I admit I have very little and a limited knowledge base and support structure and one I have just started as a result of my discovered ignorance to build Scuba Board included. I strive to be a long-term and safe diver one, which continues to dive forever! And by the way, I have way more questions than answers. I seem to have a completely and affectionate case of the “but why’s” and “how does that work.”
