he knows how to ride this wave

--for Scott, my friend

He had a certain feeling some weeks ago. Call it a spiritual nudge.

“Do what you love.”

…………………………………….

On Sunday he began complaining of headaches. They persisted on Monday and Tuesday.

On Wednesday he began losing balance and forgetting familiar names.

They took him to the emergency room.

…………………………………..

He had grown up athletic: surfing, tennis, sailing, biking, running.

He is a gifted musician, writing original songs, playing the guitar and piano.

He is a born leader: when he walks into the room, people pay attention--a truly large man in body and soul.

Once, in southern France, I had the privilege of being on a retreat with him. We worshipped God together and laughed till we cried. He cleaned my clock in spades or some game I’m trying to forget. It must have been hearts.

He is a pioneer and made a habit of thinking “yes” when too many others defaulted to “no”.

He grew up a Christian Scientist, till one day God sent a piece of paper fluttering across his path on the beach.

You can call it a coincidence but he knew it was God speaking to him, calling him out of faith in shadows to trust in substance. Ever since then, he grew accustomed to catching wind. Grabbing hold of the sky changes the way you walk on the earth.

……………………………………………………………..

In Italy, he kept worshipping a God who denied him residency. Confusion.

“Didn’t you call us here, God?”

Silence.

“Why don’t you answer?”

Eventually, he had to leave. Sometimes, goodbye feels like dying.

………………………………………………………….

Goodbye to Italy meant hello to Portugal. Soon after, a daughter with her husband moved in down the road. Grandkids! What joy!

While there, seeds that had been planted in Italy began to take root. Promise emerges when ploughs cut deep.

After a season of adventure in Portugal, he returned to the States with his wife while daughter and family moved elsewhere. Another goodbye.

One day, a few weeks ago, another breeze blew by. His sails, as usual, were hoisted and turned the right way.

“Do what you love.”

There’s a wave coming and you can’t outrun it. It’s a big one, but you know how to ride it.

…………………………………………………….

The CAT scan Wednesday revealed a subdural hematoma. Bleeding beneath the skull.

An operation on Thursday, followed by a ninety-second seizure and a ventilator; the surfer confined to bed, the singer short of breath.

……………………………………………………

Eventually, he gave a thumbs-up and could breathe on his own again.

And he’s finding his voice.

First, some humming. Then, some tears.

He’s walking again and playing the piano.

And he remembers what God told him not long before these hospital days: “Do what you love.”

Indeed. Yes and amen. I believe he will.

With God in his legs and under his feet, he knows how to ride this wave.