The month was September, the year was 2000, The beginning of my storm. The winds came out of nowhere and literally shook me from my standing. My ship was tossed as the winds began to throw it to and fro. My ship was suddenly and without notice, attacked by a rogue wave. I was swept overboard and began to drown. In a feeble attempt to survive, I latched onto a piece of floating debris and trying to make it back to the ship, not realizing what exactly I was doing. I fought the storm and the waves lapping over me as a predator would its meal. When all my strength was gone and I could not see, nor could I think of what to do, I gave up and quit fighting the storm. I gave myself over to the storm with full submission.
How long I was floating out at sea, I am really not sure. I know it was a long time, too long for most people. I faced many dangers, as lack of water, food, and predators of the sea. I floated for a long, long time. As I awoke one morning to the sound of a nearby ship, I tried to call out for help.
I began to scream but there was no sound coming out. I cried, but yet there were no tears available. My body was riddled with pain, my spirits were completely broke, and I cherished the thought of a soon coming death. I drifted in and out of consciousness, but as I fell asleep late into the night, I knew tomorrow would be the end of my miserable existence.
Much to my surprise, I awoke on the beach with sand in my mouth and water gently lapping at my feet, I heard birds singing as I began to focus on my surroundings. I realized I was at a place of salvation. It was not civilization with a Hotel and room-service, nor had it a Bistro on the corner, but there was vegetation, and with that; food. As I pulled my self together, I began to search out and find something to eat. It was not my first choice, and it was kind of bland with very little nutritional value, but I did receive something I had not felt in a while, and that was strength. I felt strength in my body once again.
I began to compile the necessary things for survival and that was food, shelter, and make-shift clothing.
I began to build a lean-to. I built a fire for warmth and protection from the elements and I began to feel at my self, once again. A little time went by and I began to call this place home. As I said earlier, it was NOT my first choice but considering I hadn’t many options, I began to accept my fate.
Then one day as I was going thru my daily activities, trivial as they were, I noticed on the horizon, a ship. I began frantically signaling the ship, but to no avail. I decided right then and there, I had a mission in mind, I was going home, and preparation was necessary in order to do so. I searched the area for much wood in order to build a signal fire. I toiled day and night with only one thought in mind; I’m going home!
Many days went by and I had much in the way of wood for a signal fire. Then one day, it happened,
I woke to the sound of a ship in the distance. I quickly ran to where I had my signal fire prepared, but as I made my way to the point, it began to rain, yet once again. Not only did it rain, but it came a down pour. The next few days I experienced, what I felt, was a monsoon. Rain was night and day and day and night.
Then just as it started, it ceased. The sun came out, the birds began to sing, and the warm sunshine felt so invigorating on my face. I spent the next day or so recovering from yet another storm as I began to clean up the miscellaneous trash that had floated up on my beach home property.
I went to check on the wood I had prepared for the signal fire and it was scattered and waterlogged. I gathered it up and laid it out so it so it would dry out properly. Then I could reposition it, yet once again, for a signal fire.
Then from out of know where, it happened. I saw a giant ship closing in on my location. What is this, I thought, an illusion? a twisted scheme of the mind? This ship was heading in my direction and a small craft was being lowered down to the water and it was heading in my direction. I didn’t even have to light my fire. These wonderful people came from nowhere and seemingly looking for ME!
I was taken aboard the rescue ship and given proper medical care. I was nourished back to health and then it hit me. I began to sob uncontrollably. Waves of realization came washing over me and I fell down right there with my head in my hand for what must have been 20 minutes. The magnitude of understanding that I was truly saved. I didn’t die in the storm, I didn’t die in the sea, I didn’t die on the island, I didn’t die from solitude.
Now its 6 years later and what am I doing? I am back out on the sea every day doing what I can. I am a rescue ranger. I now serve my life in hopes of saving others who have been swept away in the middle of their storm.
This is not story to be taken literally, but one of a spiritual nature. I once went thru a storm for which I was swept away and honestly didn’t know that I would be able to return. I faced many things along the way that almost cost me my life, but then there was a rescue ship looking for me and I was brought back to shore. For the deed that was done, I knew I owed my life to the One who rescued me, and now I serve him the best way I can…… Rescuing others from a similar fate.
