Thank you Surfers For Autism…

Originally posted August 20, 2012

You couldn’t have placed an order to the universe for a more beautiful day this past Saturday and the Surfers for Autism event soaked it up.  The rain cleared by 8:30 am, giving the day a clean start and was replaced with a nice breeze and sunny skies.  The tide rolled slowly out to the horizon, opening up the beach for all the participants and spectators to enjoy, and the waves were a perfect glassy 2 ft machine making it easy for everybody to get their stoke.  Just completely brilliant.

But the weather was just a fraction of how amazing this moment was.  I like so many others had no idea what really took place during the event but I figured that if it involved surfing it must great.  I also knew when I met the head of the organization, Don, that it was full of energy and passion.   But you don’t really understand until you see it happen in front of you.

It had never occurred to me what kind of gift this day means to families with an autistic or special needs child.  But after hearing stories and meeting folks who follow this carnival of miracles,  I began to understand why a day at the beach is so special and why they attend as many as possible.  Witnessing children experience pivotal moments of freedom with first words, eye contact and hugs penetrates your soul but on another level what I witnessed after the sun went down was also very close to my heart.

It was a tsunami of emotions flowing as the “expert surfers”, tough guys I’ve known from the beach for over 20 years, recounted the stories of kids they met and assisted.  Like the story “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” I watched their hearts grow two times that day, as one friend in particular didn’t want to keep talking  to prevent his tears from flowing.  I didn’t even have the urge to laugh at him.  It was beautiful and I feel so fortunate that I was able to be a part of it all.

A shift has occurred.  There’s a crack in the universe.  Things are beginning to happen.  Thank you Surfers For Autism!  Cheers, Carla Michelle

For more about this amazing organization and to sign up as a volunteer look here 🙂

Also thank you very much to the local organizers of this event who dedicate time and heart to making things happen…as well as the many businesses who donate to the cause. You are all awesome!!  🙂