Reader\'s Digest Australia - 07.2019

14 | July• 2019

The mother of

two sons, Sharon

Ralston, now 56,

describes her life

as rich and diverse.

She has done many

things including

owning her own

businesses.

BY SHARON

RALSTON

Washed Out to Sea

A young woman’s love of the beach and skill as

a swimmer are tested by the ocean’s strength

As a large woman I am very self-conscious on the

beach. Of course, this is probably true of maybe one or

two people, but most beachgoers tend to be immersed

in their own world rather than focus on the ‘fat’ lady at

the beach.

On this particular day, back in 1988 when I was

25 years old, it was so hot I couldn’t resist the beach.

I love the ocean. I grew up alongside Harbord Beach

in New South Wales and love the smell of the sea and

the breeze.

I knew the water would be cold as I was so hot, so

I decided to dive straight into a crystal-clear wave,

drenching myself immediately. I was covered in little

MY STORY

ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES