I haven’t been able to get Christopher Marino and his father, Walter Marino, off my mind; I keep thinking of what was it like to be in the water, treading the water, for hour upon hour? And in the dark, throughout the night, first together via the call-and-response of lines from Disney movies Toy Story in particular)?

And I have to say it: What happened to Christopher—being caught in a rip tide and and swept out to sea—-is something that I have thought could happen to Charlie. Swimming in the ocean is one of Charlie’s most favorite things to do and …read more

If you haven’t read the story on CNN (and also check out MSNBC; thanks, Linda!) of 13-year-old Christopher Marino who treaded water for 15 hours after being caught in a rip tide and swept out to sea eight miles off the coast of Volusia County in Florida—-go here. Christopher and his father, Walter Marino—who treaded water for 12 hours before being found by the Coast Guard—stayed together after darkness fell by calling out phrases from Disney movies:
“To infinity,” Marino shouted, referencing one of Christopher’s favorite lines from the movie “Toy Story.”
“And beyond,” Christopher shouted back, pumping his fist in …read more

Yes, 15 hours.
That’s how long 13-year-old Chris Marino treaded water eight miles off the coast of Volusia County in Florida, after he and his father, Walter Marino, were swept out to sea Saturday night, First Coast News reports. Walter Marino was rescued by the Coast Guard after treading water for 12 hours. He was dehydrated; Chris Marino’s condition was not immediately known.
“The family said they’re still in shock both father and son survived,” says the First Coast News. It really seems miraculous but, needless to say, I’m very glad to be reporting that Walter and Chris are safe, and back …read more