Shark Attack Survivor to Shark Advocate: A True Bounce Back Story

Pictures in the Deep
 

Facing the creature who turned his life upside down… head on and with love and respect. Truly inspiring!
 
This is one story of bouncing back that has always stood out to me. Since I first met Mike, on Kauai, to our first interview in 2021, and watching his path widen, deepen, and become more powerful and enlightening, I have been in awe of his love for the one thing that did him harm. And quite frankly, that speaks volumes to me… not just about Mike, but about sharks! If someone is a victim of a shark attack and literally turns around to advocate for them and their rightful place as the apex predator of the ocean, AND portrays them as beautiful, and graceful creatures to be saved and admired, then I need to listen up and educate myself past the fears that have been instilled in me by Hollywood since I was a child.
This is Mike’s mission through his photographs and advocacy stance in DC.
Forgiveness was given, and a new path is being forged between the victim and the perpetrator.
This is the true meaning of healing on the inside.
When Mike was just 18 years old, with dreams of becoming a professional surfer, this nightmare couldn’t have been farther from his mind. Yet, with support from his family and community he took a huge setback and created a new life for himself.  He studied, met people, watched for doors to open, and went with the flow of his new path, which all led him to forgiveness, empathy, love, and partnership with the one thing that almost took his life.

Mike and the Tiger Shark
 
His setback became the set up for the life he lives now, and the life he adores.
When he was asked if he would change the day of his attack, to keep his legs and become that professional surfer, do you know what he said?
 

 

Back at it!
 
Listen in to hear his answer.
Listen in to hear what happened that fateful day, and to hear what new adventures he is on.
Thank you, Mike, for your time and telling your story, and for being the voice of a misunderstood creature in our oceans.
Mahalo!
 
And as always,
Be Healthy,
Be Happy,
Be YOU!!!
 
Much love,
Angie
 

 

 
 

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