Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain once said that, and I reckon it’s a universal truth that transcends species. We often hear that actions speak louder than words, but what about when actions can actually say “thank you”? Now, let me tell you a story that unfolds in the depths of the ocean, just off Byron Bay, where a diver named Iñaki had a truly miraculous encounter with a shark.
Iñaki has a business that takes folks on scuba tours to observe the marine life. During one tour, he and his guests stumbled upon a shark with a length of string protruding from its mouth. Now, most people think of sharks as menacing creatures, thanks to all those Hollywood movies. But this one seemed different. Upon closer inspection, Iñaki realized that the shark’s mouth was obstructed by a fishing net, endangering its life.
Reminds me of the time I had to gently remove a pebble stuck in a retriever’s paw. She looked at me with those big, brown eyes, and I knew she understood I was trying to help. Just like that retriever, this shark also sensed Iñaki’s intentions. Taking the risk, Iñaki held onto the string and gently tugged. As if understanding the gesture, the shark yanked back a bit but didn’t attack.
Energized by this unique form of communication, Iñaki pulled harder. The shark then began to writhe and swing its head, as if helping to free itself. After another pull, the net was successfully dislodged, and the grateful shark swam away. But that wasn’t the end of it. As Iñaki and his group were preparing to leave, the shark returned. But he wasn’t alone; he had brought another shark, perhaps a family member, as if to express gratitude for the rescue.
It’s fascinating, isn’t it? These incredible moments of interspecies interaction where you don’t need words to understand each other. Just as the shark felt thankful, Iñaki too felt a profound connection. “In his own way, by looking at my eyes, he was saying, ‘Thank you. You have saved my life,'” Iñaki later shared. The story teaches us that when we extend a helping hand, or fin, to another being, the gratitude can reverberate in ways we could never have imagined.
So, next time you’re out in nature, remember this tale. The world is filled with sentient beings who, in their own special ways, understand the language of kindness and compassion. We may not share words, but actions can speak volumes. If you found this story touching, do share it with your friends and family. And while you’re at it, consider contributing to marine conservation efforts, so that more of these magical encounters can occur.
