Surf's Up!

A year ago, Jonah was at RIC, deep into his treatment.  He had one more round of chemo before stem cell transplant in February and then the 30 rounds of radiation.  He was spending most of his time in bed or in the wheelchair, with his standing and walking confined to therapy.

Fastforward a year - and Jonah is surfing.  We had a magical time in Hawaii, but these moments were the pinnacle.  It was the blessing of sunglasses that prevented all those around me from witnessing the extend of my joy.

Prior to our departure, I had reached out to Uncle Bryan's Sunset Surrat Surf School (https://surfnorthshore.com) and explained our circumstances, hopeful that we could work something out.  Uncle Bryan was 100% on-board and promised that they could make it happen.  We also talked about the fact that Julia notoriously overestimates her swimming ability - and that would be no problem either, Uncle Bryan assured me.  When the day came, Uncle Bryan paired Jonah up with Cru, his son - and Cru worked his magic, getting Jonah up on the board over and over.  Julia was paired with Skylar, who fostered a confidence in her that ultimately allowed him to go "hands free" with her towards the end.  All the while, Cru and Stylar were coaching and encouraging Noah and Anna.

If you ever make it O'ahu, please give Uncle Bryan a call - you won't be disappointed!