Ivory’s Surprise Beach Birthday

This marks my FIRST ever board paddling and my FIRST ever ocean-related activity. I have always been afraid of the water. I had Otitis Media since I was a kid and I never learned how to swim. My ears weren’t allowed to get wet so I couldn’t go under water. I also hated earplugs because I hear weird stuffs and they make me feel like I’m living in a different world. Worst, I have this bizarre imagination that creates spooky images of things under the sea.

Ivory gave me a week to psych myself for this. And I came out alive! Even If I didn’t have sleep for that day, I felt alive like no other.  Thank you to the beach for not having waves and to my life jacket for being reliable. Thank you also to Ivory’s church friends for making me feel welcome. Cheers!

Photos by the great LUKE DECENA.