Adrift at Sea - Could You Survive?

Will Hamm - That's nearly 2 months! He could have been killed but I don't think he let his mind go in that direction. It's amazing how anyone, regardless of age or place on earth can keep hope alive, regardless of darkness, fear, or without the means except faith.

George Souto - I do believe you're right! Looking back on life challenges, I can always tell how although feeling like it was a huge challenge previously, it was merely in preparation for something next. I also believe it's true that it is often our weaknesses that can turn into our greatest strengths. 

Kathy Streib - We are always sad to hear anyone who is lost or missing, but when it is a child, the heart hurts even more. In this case that was released today, I think the boy who survived is going to grow up to be someone very special. Perhaps, he'll invent an app or some other device for people who are lost, or become a National Speaker, an author, or just a fine human being. Yet I can't help think, whatever he becomes, he will make a difference on others and positively influence many. 

Allie Angeloni - You're comments are always straight from the heart and believable. You are someone I trust. Wouldn't it be wonderful to meet this young man now; then five years later, and 10 years after that? He is a living miracle and I'm so thankful he survived without panic and anger. I am curious to know how old he was when he started working and what's his story before he went adrift. He truly is a remarkable guy but obviously someone who has deep faith that is real. 

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®,CRS, - One of my favorite stories here on ActiveRain is the one when you divulged that you served and lived in a submarine. To me, that was one of the bravest things I could imagine. Although, you were old enough to enlist, you were still just a boy who hadn't really learned to live. 

I agree, you're too old for that now but I feel in my heart, if something happened to your grandchildren, all that strength, courage, and survival skills would prove once again, you really are a great man at any age. 

Endre Barath, Jr. - You have lived a life of courage, spurred by your family coming to America as immigrants and your Military Training. What you did as US Army Ranger took a lot of courage and made you a survivor. Thank you for your services. I truly respect you.

This boy adrift at sea was only 14, not trained in the military... Why was he working at that age and how old was he when he started to work and was he working to support siblings and other family members? Or did he have no one, other than an employer? The article doesn't give any more details about his childhood but to be in existence for only 14 years, on your own, at sea, having to fend for yourself in rough waters, catch your own food to stay alive, well... I hope they make a movie and someone writes a book with the proceeds going back to this young man because if anyone should profit, it should be him to serve as an inspiration to other young children. I think you would agree. He deserves it because I'm sure, his wages are meager in comparison to what other kids his age gets in America.

Michael Jacobs - I remember being at a Writer's Retreat for "wannabe writers," at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico several years ago. I stopped in a local second hand book store and bought "Old Man and the Sea." Although, one of the greatest books ever written, the truth is, I was bored. But a story like this, about a 14 year old kid adrift at sea swept me away. And I have to say, I'm pumped, more inspired to make my own life-changing pages that haven't been written. The truth is, we can only give up if we choose to. I'm not ready to give up and I have a feeling, neither are you. In these days of scandals and lies, this 14 year old boy really gave me the inspiration I needed at this time in my life too. I hope the same is true for you and many others.

Sheila Anderson - I was also blown away! A long time when I was in my 20's my husband bought a boat. We thought it would be fun to see the 4th of July fireworks out in the lake instead of being with a group of people with our very young children. It was great, until the fireworks were over. At that time, firework shows occurred around midnight. He was inexperienced with the boat and neither one of us could figure out where the shore was. Slowly, it got pitch dark. I remember how frightened we were and trying to keep kids calm was next to impossible. We couldn't even see our hands in front of us. With that said, I can only imagine how difficult it was for that Indonesian 14 year old boy. The length of time it took before he was rescued would have driven me crazy if I was in his shoes (if he even had shoes). 

Sheila Anderson - Thank you for letting me know you like my photograph!