The Shell Seeker

The picture above was my dad in 1977. It was the year I graduated high school and the year he retired at the age of 55. He enjoyed 25 years of retirement. And, was a wonderful example of how to enjoy life to the fullest. He worked hard as an electical engineer at Fort Monmouth. He was very consistent. When he was working he got off from work at 4:30 and he was home at 4:50 every night. He had a family car which was a station wagon that my mom would drive. And, he always had a convertible he drove to work. My favorite days were a hot summer day when he would arrive home from work with the top down. That meant if he wasn't too tired he would take us to pier beach in Spring Lake for an evening swim. Our family didn't have beach badges, so after 5 the beaches were free. My dad was a good swimmer and he taught us how to swim and dive. When we were in the ocean together, he was like a dolpin diving in and out of the water. He taught me how to dive under the waves. He also taught me how to ride a wave. And, he did this like a dolphin, also. I would ride on his back when I was really little. He also loved to walk the beach and look for shells, shark teeth and cape may diamonds. I would say those were the happiest memories with my dad. But, he loved the movies, Radio City Music Hall and the Garden State Arts Center. We would go to these places frequently. If we went to the movies in Manasquan, it usually meant we would be having pizza at Squan Tavern. If we went to Bradley Beach we had pizza at Vic's. Vesuvio's in Belmar was the most frequented for pizza. We as a family spent most Easters at the boardwalk in Asbury Park or Point Pleasant. So, when I see the most recent picture of Bruce Springsteen leaning on that light blue convertible Camaro, it makes me think of my dad. My dad drove the exact model of that car for years. And, we went to all the best places a Jersey girl could imagine in that car. And, I can remember a few trips down to Zaberer's with a walk on Atlantic City boardwalk after. I really appreciate everything in my life, my dad made possible for me. Most of all, I love being a Jersey girl and living near the sea. Quote of the day: "Don't let the waves of others drown out your own ocean song. Hold your heart as though it was a seashell. And listen to it. Listen to its music. To the whispers of your ocean within. And then swim." - S. C. Lourie. Song of the Day: Jersey Girl Bruce Springsteen