Two and a half years ago, Dorothy and I decided to follow our son Graham, his wife Paulette and our four grandchildren from Long Island to Essex, Connecticut.  After living on the same block on Long Island for most of my 78 years, the move was an emotional rollercoaster.  Trying to accomplish it in an economic climate that was both hostile and costly added to the angst.  But now that we’ve been here for just over a year, the stress and uncertainty from that period of time has faded and is all but forgotten.

A year ago last June 6th our oldest grandchild, Graham Jr., underwent bone lengthening surgery by world-renowned surgeon Dr. Dror Paley at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, to correct the condition he was born with, acondroplasia, a form of dwarfism.  He rehabbed in Florida under the watchful eye of his surgeon and staff, returning to Essex in mid-August.  He progressed from wheelchair to crutches and became ambulatory last November, never missing a day of school.

Graham’s surgery was the catalyst for our move to Connecticut.  We wanted to be as close by him as possible to help.  Our daughter Jenny had already left New York City for Connecticut to lend her support. When the house next door to my son went on the market, Dorothy and I jumped.  However, in order to buy it, we had to close before we could sell our house on Long Island.  Ouch!

We commuted back and forth from Brightwaters to Essex during Graham’s operation and rehab to help hold the fort as family members took turns keeping young Graham company in Florida.  Then last December, after our house on Long Island finally sold, we said our final good-byes to the street I grew up on and raised my family on and headed to Connecticut for good.

Days like last Saturday made it all worthwhile.

It was the first time our kids participated this year for the Valley Shore YMCA Marlins from Westbrook, CT.  The three oldest grandchildren, Graham 11, Bradley 9, and Tory 7 were competing against a team from, East Hartford.  The three swimmers left at 9:30AM with Paulette for team pictures and an early workout before the start of the 64 events at noon.

I drove to the Y by myself arriving at 11 AM.  Paulette was already on the pool deck and had saved me a seat in the bleachers. The East Hartford swimmers were warming up.  Wave after wave of them were diving in and filling the six lanes, practicing backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle and dives and turns.  The noise level was deafening in the confined pool area.  The temperature was high, the humidity took awhile to get used to, and the chlorine level in the pool made everyone’s eyes smart.  There were 75 plus swimmers competing. I would not emerge for five hours after viewing all but 8 of the 64 events.

Our three acquitted themselves very well.  Tory competed in four events in the age 8 and under category.  She won the 25 yd. breaststroke and also picked up a second and a third in the 25 free and the 25 back.  Brad competed in the 9-10 category and actually won the 50 yd. free but was denied his victory by a mistake at the scorer’s table.  He was more than competitive in his other events.  Duncan age 6 was rooting the others on and eating everything in sight and reach from the refreshment stand.  He’s on the farm team and should be ready to compete after Xmas.

Graham Junior’s surgeries are not over.  Even though the full effect of his leg operation is not complete and he has not had surgery yet on his arms, he competed in the 50 yd. freestyle and finished with a kick at the end.  Although he did not place in his heat, the look of satisfaction on his face was something to behold. He received great applause from competitors and families alike.  Graham later swam in a relay with brother Bradley and again was a crowd favorite.

Days like this are called “bonus days.”   Dorothy and I are extremely fortunate.  While we miss our old friends on Long Island, we revel in being so close to our grandchildren and children, and we love our new lives.

Merry Christmas from Essex.  Go Marlins!

Best,

George