a Sanibel Sunrise

I'm going to share with you (as she's given me the ok to) something that my friend Kim posted on her Facebook page. Actually it's her description of the morning of October 9th..... I met Kim years ago on a Sanibel message board & then on the island itself. She actually lives in West Virginia, but was preparing to leave Sanibel early that October morning:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I would like to share my sunrise story with you this beautiful morning. It is my last full day in paradise (otherwise known as Sanibel Island). I awoke before 6 and took SweetUm (the dog I'm watching) outside to do her business. I thought I would not drive to the beach this morning, because shelling has been poor to say the least & I have a lot to do in preparation to return home tomorrow. I got on facebook to check out the nights activities... When I logged on, there was one of my girlfriends (Stephanie) I asked her what she was doing up at 4:30 a.m. her time! I told her I thought of going to the beach for sunrise, but the shelling had been poor and I was at the debating point. She said enjoy the sunrise and take a couple of deep relaxing breaths for me.

So with that as my little nudge, I knew it may be just what she needed for the day so I sent her a virtual hug and off I went. I was headed to m favorite spot on West Gulf (about a 10 min drive for me) but for some reason, for the 1st time ever I didn't turn where I was supposed to and headed into Beachview Golf Resort. I turned in the Tennis driveway and headed on to W. Gulf, as I reached access 7, got out my light and stepped foot on the sand by the water I knew this is not where I was supposed to watch the sunrise this morning. My friends favorite place is the lighthouse... so I hoofed it quickly back to my car and went as fast as I could trying not to get a ticket (30 mph)... but sunrise was on it's way!

I reached the lighthouse, left my shell bag in the car, and didn't need a flashlight by this time. I did not have my camera, so I shared my pics with her as I went along (till my phone went dead) I watched the beautiful colors come above the horizon.




I picked a spot in front of the lighthouse.... many of you know the spot, the old tree trunk laying on it's side. I sat on the stump...



I closed my eyes and took those deep relaxing breaths I'd promised Stephanie. After a few minutes of cleansing breaths and prayers for her, I heard the birds. Lots of birds, I opened my eyes and right above me were 2 beautiful geese flying overhead, the seagulls were in flocks over the water and one pretty little dragonfly was hovering around. WOW.... what a moment. I had chills and smiles at the same time, as the sun continued to rise.

I watched God's beauty come to light. I took a picture of her favorite back porch - at the lighthouse, and a picture at the end of the path from the house to the beach, and then of the most wonderful sunrise.





As I was walking toward the pier....



the one and only time I looked down, there was the prettiest starfish, alive with movement, so I gently carried it out into the water.



I walked the pier and took in the point, watching the boats moving out into the gulf, and a few fishermen waiting for the big catch. I didn't even look for a shell. I just enjoyed the sunrise for Steph. I sighed, smiled and took one last look before leaving the beach.

I went to 7-11 to get an iced coffee and a donut (seems to be a ritual for me when I am here) I usually have a jelly donut, but this morning there were none, so I started to reach for a cinnamon roll but there it was.... a white iced donut with sprinkles, it was called a Celebration donut, I knew it was meant to be. This morning was a celebration, for Steph and all other breast cancer patients. A celebration of their life, of their fight and of their story.



Thank you God, for the friendship of this very special lady, and for gracing me with your beautiful sky in her honor this morning.

I hope you all could imagine it through my story, and you are taking those deep breaths and smiling thinking about the ones you love.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

And trying not to cry - I replied to Kim: THANK YOU! It was an incredible start to my day! Funny we never chat on FB, yet we met here before 5 a.m. today. Your pictures and story made it worth being up at such an hour. It's as if it were prearranged. I'm glad you went out and enjoyed it yourself (and for me)! God bless ya Kim!

To which she responded: Steph, Thank YOU....I think it was pre arranged, I think God was telling me to go to the lighthouse when I turned into Beachview, I just wasn't paying attention, but he held sunrise for me til I got there, just for you! You are such an incredible woman, you have such a spirit and attitude, I so admire you, even though I don't tell you that often enough! You are truly a hero, God bless you my friend!