I sent the following email to many friends that first week after Chris left:
Dearest friends-Thank you for your calls and invites. I am being almost smothered in love and attention, and I turned my phone off yesterday (Tues Nov. 14). Was at Monastery Beach yesterday with a best girl friend from SF (this is where Chris bravely saved my life in Aug of 05, and almost died himself at that time) , and there were about half a dozen dolphins there who swam in closer to a look at us, and then 2 leapt high out of the water! I of course burst into tears. They continued to swim in closer, horizontal to shore, closer than I've ever seen them in. And Bandit (Loris' dog), with whom Chris had a great love affair, sat by me the whole time, never running around like he usually would at the beach.
It was a lovely day to remember Chris. And it always will be.
Comments (2)
How wonderful for you to have such a memory to remember. I met Chris several years ago on Aliso beach diving of course. We ran into each other at a couple of other beach dives over several years. I didn't really know him but the short time we talked I really enjoyed his outlook on life and such a positive attitude. My heart goes out to you for your loss. I am sorry I never got to meet you but enjoying Chris's company on the beach is a memory I'll never forget.
I used to have some old pictures of some of those beach dives, god it seems centuries ago now, I'll see if I can find them. But don't count on it. We had a fire a few years ago and I am not sure if I still have them. If I do I would love to send you some copies of some fun times. I think I have one of Chris holding, or I should say trying to hold, a crab as it was pinching his thumb. The look on his face is priceless. I think this was one of all of our first dives. Not usre about the year, could have been around 1978 or 79 Don't really remember. Any way feel free to contact me and if I do find these pictures I would love to share them with all.
Posted by Jeff Hennesay | January 3, 2007 9:09 PM
Posted on January 3, 2007 21:09
Jeff! Thanks so much for your loving comments and memory sharing. And YES- please send photos. I am planning to put up a gallery soon, but in the meantime, you can visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/chcf to see a variety of photos. In particular, see the album entitled Abalone Survey (in right column).
Dida
Posted by Dida | January 4, 2007 12:27 PM
Posted on January 4, 2007 12:27