30 Years Later...

The Staples class of '76 gathered at bar and beach for lobster, clams, beer, and a beautiful sunset. Perfect setting to re-tell stories, memories, and escapades we'd never want our kids to hear. Same faces, older bodies, great energy. High attendance a sign of what a great class we had. Highlight for me was going to the water's edge at sunset to take a moment to think of my father, whose ashes we spread just offshore three-years ago. Two eight-year old girls approached, holding hands, giggling, walking in the water. When I told them I played at the same beach when I was their age, they both said "do you know my dad?" Who's your dad? "Steve Quinn" said one. "Wayne Whemhoff" the other. They were so excited when I said "yes I knew them when they were your age."

They told me they exchanged addresses and were to become pen pals. Wayne's daughter told me her grandpa recently died, leading us to the topic of my father and the water, and how he used to be the harbor master. Wayne's daughter got all excited and said "I knew him - his name was Ed too!" She used to boat with her grandpa, and said "Ed was my grandpa's bestist bestist friend!"

In 40 years she may be on the same beach at her 30th reunion. Proof positive of the Circle of Life!