Christopher,
How very fortunate we were to have grown up at the time and place that we were blessed with, for this amazing journey we were about to take growing up in the 50s was so unique and special. The times were prosperous for the country, opportunities were boundless and we got to participate by just showing up.
We started horsing around together 65 years ago! Remember Kindergarten? It was much different then. Don’t know if I learned much between naptime and recess, but there’s no question that we learned life’s lessons. Remember the time the whole school had an outdoor assembly? And our surprise was riding through the east playground gate, the one and only Montie Montana! It was the simple things.
Elementary School was the time of school bussing. How fortunate for us that we were all brought together as young children. We all played together, learned together, talked together, shared together, and moved forward together. It gave us a head start in the events to come and the life altering 60’s.
Was it you that invented the skateboard? I seem to remember you nailing a metal skate to a piece of 2x4. It sure helped develop those coordination skills that came in handy at Laguna Beach when we spent those endless days body surfing. I can still feel that cold breeze on my face and the hot sun on my back. Brushing off the dried sand and running up the hill for the nice lunch that Julie had waiting.
How about that Skim Board you made out of a piece of plywood? Carefully filing down the sharp edges. You throwing that round disc into the receding wave and running like hell, you jumped onto this creation and skimmed
along the beach.
It was time for Junior High School. (I think its Middle School now days). Sports, sports and more sports. Tackle football on your neighbors front lawns, three yards, I remember. And basketball in Mac’s driveway, until much too late. Bicycling took us out of the neighborhood and into new adventures and new discoveries. The money from our paper routes didn’t hurt either. No more collecting returnable bottles at Eliot for a package of cupcakes.
We were in the CHPs.
Then came the real milestone. One day I found you in the yard with Art, putting together some plywood, tubing, wheels and a lawn mower motor. It became a “Go Cart” – and we were off. Flying down the street 3” above the asphalt. More learned skills that would be tested in the High School years, after all, you did have the coolest car on campus. That beautiful, British racing green MG. Top down – how sweet was that ride? (I did get some rides when those cheerleaders weren’t hanging around. Just kidding.)
We soon lost you for a short time as soon as you moved north to your beloved city by the beach, Santa Barbara. I’ve sometimes reflected on your story of a very, very early experience as a child, a misunderstanding and an event that formed part of your adult life. One of always reaching out to help, to engage, to support, to volunteer for your charities. You set the bar pretty high, but you taught by example.
I can say that I will miss your calls and our excursions, but I will not be sad, because you will always be with us.
Love Roger, Rufina, Jennifer and Stephanie
