Once upon a time in 1969, in a town across the pond, Coventry, a baby was born on New Year’s Eve. He traveled throughout his childhood and teens, a military brat but not the military of the Queen. From England to Scotland, Spain to Italy, he made his way to the US of A.

Far away but not much longer after, a girl was born. The first child, like he, for new parents to be, in Norfolk, Virginia, Holy Thursday, 1977. She grew up like a mermaid near the beach ,the beach of Virginia, the place they would soon someday meet.

This young pirate of a man, made his way to Old Dominion University and Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service. Her aquatic lifestyle and deep local roots would guide her to the same places, the sand and the books.

It was 1996, her first summer riding pine and his soon to be last, she a rookie and he a seasoned super-visor. Working colleagues, nothing more, what would happen, what would life have in store?

Fast forward, like many years, it was 2016 and a reunion was near. He reached out via Facebook and she was so surprised, "He remembers me, and hosting an affair. It's pizza for all and Chicho's beer."

A Monday through Thursday, instead of one Wednesday night, turned into weekly plans, without a fright. Then holidays and family vacations, one thing was clear, they were building something special, a future, a family, an adventure that was dear.

Woody’s on Waterlily