I had been struggling with some difficult mental and physical issues and was pretty desperate.

I was extremely anxious and depressed. One day I decided to skate at the Newport/Balboa peninsula. This is an area of beach I have skated since my college days in the ’90s.

At the start of the path, on 36th Street, is a bench. After I skate, I like to sit quietly and look out at the ocean. It brings me peace, and sometimes a word from GOD.

It started with “I got you”. Pretty simple, but it is exactly what I needed to hear. That started me on the path to healing and more encounters.

My mind had been spinning out of control. I was fixated on death and dying. What was going to happen? I could not shut off my brain.

Those words “I got you” were powerful. I needed to stop worrying and trying to figure everything out. All I needed to know is that GOD is with me and he is taking care of the details.