Splish Splash

Somewhat incongruously, you really loved water parks. Adventure-type parks in general, but especially water parks. 

When we were kids you and Mom took us to Six Flags, and then some corollary of it whose name I can't think of. It was a giant water park, and I remember your infectious enthusiasm for it. We went down gigantic slides, and I remember going through some underground tunnel slide and cannon-balling out into a (FREEZING) pond. I slapped into the water and it was so, so painful and so cold, I remember that sensation vividly many years later. 

Then, in 1991, a water park called Splish Splash opened, about 45 minutes from our house. I was what - 14 - and Amy a couple years younger, but you immediately asked us both if we wanted to go. Of course we did. I am not sure, but I don't think Mom came? 

Regardless, it was so much cleaner and nicer than the park in NJ. That said, I remember some kind of log flume, and some tubing, and I guess some slides, but that was it. 

It was my birthday on Friday day, and all I wanted to do was go to the beach. Which I'm glad to say I did. On Friday, Saturday, and today, Sunday. We had a big fun BBQ, and Meredith and her kids came up to visit. Peggy and Jim came, and Mom and Marc, and Ellen and Bert. I missed you though. Meredith came through in the goofy animal card department, but I didn't get one from you for the first time in a long time. 

But your spirit lived on, in all my swimming hijinks this weekend. I am so glad that I shared my passion for water with you. 

x

M

Tomatoes

They are growing really well this year, Dad. I have high hopes. The herb garden is going wild, and I still have peaches growing on my tree (praying for them to get ripe and be delicious).

Summer feels pretty tough without you. We went to Port Jeff for Father's Day and had a BBQ. It was hard to get the BBQ started, it took Mom, Marc, and Idriss, a group effort. Mom said she really missed you - it doesn't exactly feel like summer without you manning the cooking efforts on the deck.

The pool isn't open - is it possible that I had my last swim in it without knowing it was my last swim, as you didn't know either? The closed pool is imbued with way too much power and symbolism in my mind. So bleak and sad to see.

Golfers are out in full force, and yesterday I took a detour because of traffic and drove by a crowded course, then had to pull over because it was so upsetting for you to not be out there, starting the holiday weekend with nine holes. Or something like that.

 I don't know Dad. It's been six months. I don't miss you any less. And every sunny day I resent that you aren't here to enjoy it, too. Not fair, not fair, not fair, is the refrain in my mind.

Also, I got laid off last week. I have 90 days to work still, and I'm fine. I wish I could speak with you though, about my future plans. Right now I'm focused on getting some ripe tomatoes and peaches. I just wish I could share them with you.

Love M