Beacon 12

The first one hit; it lashed out with such force the wind was instantly knocked out of me and like a ragdoll I tumbled below becoming disoriented. Slowly, I find my bearings and quickly force myself to emerge gasping for air. I see my daughter Lillian and in a panic I reach out to embrace her, both our heads bobbing just above the darkness. On the horizon the next wave is barreling in. It slams into us harder than the first. I don’t know how, but I manage to fight our way back up, still clinging to her. At the surface my younger daughter, Leila, frantically thrashes about. I grab her with my free hand and pull her in close. Now, with both arms full, I desperately struggle to stay afloat, my whole body aching. Then suddenly and without warning the third wave crashes. It is the largest most violent one of all. In its unyielding attack I lose the grip on my girls and like sinking ships we are pulled deeper and deeper still. As I helplessly look up I see my son's small sweet face. A primal fear rips through me, "No, not him too!" He rapidly descends. But then in the distance, a light pierces the darkness and we begin to rise once more. -When my children were diagnosed with autism overwhelming emotions threatened to drown me in a sea of despair. But, because of His grace, someone was there for me lighting the way to hope. Now Beacon 12 lights the way for others. Help us #payitforward