At 14, I was the youngest of my cousins, so I was thrilled when they invited me along on their Acapulco vacation. I felt lucky to be included, though admittedly I found the crashing waves of the vast Pacific Ocean intimidating. I didn’t even know how to swim in a pool! But when my trustworthy cousin offered to walk me out into the surf, I gath-ered my courage and went with him.
He took my hand, and we walked deeper into the water until it was up to my chest, about as far as I wanted to go. I didn’t want to venture out where I couldn’t feel the bottom. I was nervous but felt comforted to have
