Happy Father’s Day

I started this blog for no other reason than to provide myself an outlet when everything starts to feel a little bit out of control. And, although, I have fallen short of my goal of blogging at least once per month, this blog has not only served as such an outlet, but it also has provided me with a look into my Dad’s childhood, something I never could have anticipated.

A few weeks ago I received a message from one of his childhood acquaintances via my blog.

Dear Kristin,

Your Dad and I were friends in High School and I was so sad to hear of his passing and your loss. We went to different schools but the same church in Claremont. Sometimes there are special people in your life who move on, but leave you a better person for having been your friend. Jim was one of those people for me.

I have been going through old family slides from my parents house and have 4 of Jim at the 1961 Labor Day swim at Oceanside. They are not very good quality but if you would like to have prints I will have them copied for you. Just let me know.

Can you imagine my surprise and my delight? I was over the moon and couldn’t wait to see the prints.

While I have a box full of newspaper articles and photographs from my Dad’s childhood, there is something really special about receiving prints from someone who knew him. I love hearing stories about him and the impact of his friendship.

When the note with the pictures arrived in the mail I couldn’t wait to see them. Swimming was a huge part of my Dad’s life. He was a really talented swimmer and, although I eventually chose ballet, which I know he loved, I loved my swim team summers and imagine a lot of the success I had in the pool was thanks to him (although I was best at breaststroke and he at freestyle). I knew he competed in a lot of meets and races, but I wasn’t familiar with this specific one, the Labor Day Pier Swim. Thankfully, his friend pointed me in the direction of the website and it’s a tradition that continues today!

As I decided to share this I realized my Dad is 15 in these pictures. So young, with so much talent and potential, and so handsome. I miss him so much it’s hard for me to articulate, and I would give anything to hear his voice, listen to his advice, and be wrapped in his arms, but these pictures remind me of a life well lived.

I love you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day.