GodSwell's mission is to provide healing and hope to those physically challenged by a disability or illness through the tranquility and adventure of sailing.
Our Memories Of Simon
Our friend, Simon Bronson, came to us in the fall of 2015. At first, he sailed with several groups aboard ESPIRITU SANTO around San Diego Harbor from the entrance at Point Loma and down underneath the Coronado bridge.
But, Simon was different.
He related to sailing on a higher level, telling me stories of rescues he had flown during his 26 years as an airborne rescue pilot in the northwestern parts of the U.S.
Simon landed in the many rural parts of that part of our country, where folks suddenly, in urgent need of a hospital, were hundreds of miles from help.
Landing in a field, or touching down on an empty country road, Simon would then help load his patient into his aircraft, and away they went!
So, I asked Simon if he wanted to sail off-shore, where the big swells lay. Smiling, he nodded his head, and we agreed on the date of our next sail. He wanted in on every aspect of the boat, and loved being at the helm, steering our course upwind or down.
What I'll never forget was the sublime joy that came over him as we flew across the waves miles offshore, on a course and heading of Simon's choosing.
Being out of sight of land troubled Simon not, as he was back in his own element. And it was at times like this when we spoke openly about things that were on our minds. Or, we said nothing at all for well over an hour, breathing in the sea breeze on God's wide Pacific.
You see, Simon was a stage 4 cancer patient, and all I prayed was that his heart find contentment.
After our first long sail at sea, we'd tied up at the dock, and had just finished flaking down the main when Simon embraced me with tears flowing down his cheeks. He was just so happy he couldn't keep it in...and neither could I, "His wonders to behold."
John and Jean Silverwood
