A Swimming Angel

The waters of Lake Michigan can be most inviting on a hot Summer day.The fact that its waters - even close to shore - are known for the treacherous rip tides and undertow does not deter young swimmers.

The beach that bordered the north suburb of Chicago was not very large.Erosion was now within a few yards of the steep ravine, but Mothers with young children and independent teens filled the shallow span of sand, as gentle waves clapped against wading feet and small rafts.

Five boys, between 10 and 14 held hands as they snaked in and out of the cool water.Oblivious to the danger, they inched farther and farther into the shallows with each "whip" of the snake, laughing and challenging one another.

In the blink of an eye, one end of the human chain disappeared beneath the water.Two boys had disappeared, as the other three watched helplessly.A mother tossed out a life preserver; everyone began screaming for help, but the height of the ravine muffled the cries.

One of the boys bobbed up and was able to grab the preserver.But the other boy was not in sight. The chaos was worsening with each passing second.

Suddenly, a head bobbed above the water - several yards beyond the accident. Slowly, but determinedly, 13-year old Roger swam close enough for rescuers to grasp him.

Asked about his experience and his swim against the currents, Roger surprised his rescuers: "That's the odd part." said Roger, "I don't know how to swim! It was like something was making my arms and legs move, even when I couldn't breathe, and without even trying, I was swimming!"

"It's a miracle", said Roger's Mother. "You sure had an Angel swimming with you today!"

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