Yesterday on the beach was wonderful. And interesting.

Four young surfers brought a young man who was obviously paralyzed and in a wheelchair out on the sand right beside us. They proceeded to don wetsuits and then carry the young guy in the wheelchair down to the water's edge. Once there, they gingerly plucked him out of the wheelchair and laid him on his stomach, on the unusually long surfboard. They then paddled him out in the surf. Now the paraplegic was not strapped on but he was wearing a life jacket or vest I guess it is called. Once out beyond the waves, the smallest of the four, crouched behind the man on the board and helped steer where they needed to be. The surf was fairly rough yesterday so they were able to get some pretty good waves. The disabled man was up on his forearms the entire time along for the ride! They were out for about 30 minutes before coming in. I gave him a 'great job!' when they wheeled past and he said he was worn out. He looked overjoyed and proud. People were coming over saying how brave he was.

I really wanted to find out more about his situation. Why he was in the wheelchair. Were these students and this a special organization. Arielle wouldn't allow me to go and be inquisitive. She said it would embarass him. I wouldn't have asked him but there was a gentleman who seemed to be in charge of things.

Oh, well. It was an exhilarating experience to watch. Anytime I see someone in a wheelchair, I immediately take pause. I know what it feels like. Instead of avoiding them, I want to engage them. I know he welcomed the congratulatory responses.

So to that young man who banished his fears yesterday in the ocean, well done my man! You made a lot of people proud yesterday. A lot of people that could stand on their own two feet.