The "A Friend's Gift" Story

Jerry and LDub in Providenciales,
 getting ready to snorkel

It was an ordinary day.  Sometime in June of 1999.  Sitting on a beach in Maui with my friend Jerry.  We had recently both retired from the Manheim Township School District in Lancaster, PA.  We grew up in the school district, with both of us going to elementary, junior high and high school together.  Lived a block apart in the south end of the school district.  Then we parted ways with Jerry heading into the Navy and me heading to Millersville State Teacher's College.  Few years later we were teaching Industrial Arts (shop for you real old-timers) together at ....... where else but Manheim Township High School.  And, here we sit on the beach in Maui, celebrating our retirement.  Then Jerry says something to me that will change my life forever.  We are standing in the Pacific Ocean, looking at our feet in the chest-high crystal clear water, when he asks me if I have ever snorkeled.  Negative response from me made him reply, "Go grab a few bucks and we'll head up to the ABC store.  ABC stores in Hawaii stand for All Blocks Covered; exactly where the stores are located.  I bought a snorkel and mask and WOW! I was hooked.  The life that is hidden beneath the sea is spectacular to say the least.  And, Jerry opened my eyes to this wonderful experience.  Within minutes of trying snorkeling for the very first time, I had my wife hooked also.  We now plan our vacations with the intention of snorkeling whenever we get a chance.  Jerry and his wife, Just Sue, spend many of these vacations with Carol and me, exploring the seas both above and below the waterline.  This gift that he gave me on the beach that day has been one of the greatest gifts that any friend has ever given me, and I will be ever thankful to him for the chance to see life in a very different way.  Ever try snorkeling?  Before you physically cannot do it, try it.  You too will be amazed at what you will experience when you stick your head under the surface of the ocean.  Thanks, Jerry!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.