Unexpected Events

These are my babies, Evan and Hallie. I love them very much.

Early this morning, around 1 a.m., I had an allergic reaction to something. I have been plagued by this most of my life. I take a deep breath outside and suck in some unknown particle and WHAM! My face swells up and I look a bit like Shrek. Or I eat a hamburger, with a soy filler, and I get the giant fat lip. Last nights reaction was just as fast and seemingly unwarranted.

I was awakened by a nauseating feeling in my throat and neck. I got up and was trying to look at my throat, in the blinding glare of the bathroom light. Squinting hard, I couldn't tell what the heck was going on. Then, my neck, chest, arms, and trunk of my body started breaking out in hives. I turned brilliant red. My throat began closing, tongue swelling blocking air and making it difficult to speak. I tried to take a Benedryl to calm the symptoms, but my body violently rejected this.

I live with my Mom, and I felt terrible waking her up to take me to the emergency room. On retrospect, I'll opt for an ambulance if this occurs again. Anyway, Mom gets up and drives me to the hospital. My care was very good. After a couple of shots and a few hours resting, I was released and sent home to sleep off the drugs. This morning, I am clear of rashes and swelling.

As traumatic as this experience sounds, it was nothing compared to what I heard while in the hospital.

This is Senior Week (more like month) in Ocean City. High School seniors swarm to the beaches for a week of sun and fun, celebrating the completion of their high school education. They come in droves! There are always sad stories associated with this visitation by young adults. This year will prove no different.

There are drug busts, the underaged attempting to get into bars with false ID's, jaywalking, jumping off of beach house balconies, usual childish pranks. And there are deaths.

There were 4 young adults in emergency care when I arrived at the hospital. At least one did not live. I know this because I could see and hear the arrival of parents and family. And the horrifying muffled sounds of a doctors voice, followed by skin crawling, hair raising, "nooooo," accompanied by heart wrenching sobs.

What a sad end to a young life.

Parents let your children read this and remind them that accidents happen. Don't tempt fate. Be conservative and stay alive. That Mothers cry remains with me now. She was devastated. The Father was stoically silent, eyes reddened, willing himself to remain strong for the family. Hearts broken.

So while I re-cooperate from this allergic reaction today I give thanks for all I have. For the fact that my children, ages 25 and 27, made it through the teen years. For the home I have with my Mom. For my family and their support. And for the ability to breathe.

Breathe deeply. Give thanks and praises. Play smart. Life is a gift. Don't toss it away lightly for a moments thrill.

Excellent Summer Entertainment

Working in Ocean City, MD, right on the Atlantic Ocean, I have a fantastic view as I work. The waves crashing in, the families and friends gathering on the beach, the sun, the sky. Tending bar at the Skip Jack Grille is great summer employment.

Not only do I work at the Skip Jack, I also work at Phillips by the Sea - again on the boardwalk - same great view - as a bar tender and I sell my jewelry 3 days a week at the Holiday Inn Pool Bar, on 67th St. So I am busy. I don't go out much or get to take in much of the summer entertainment. This past weekend, I was able to work at the Skip Jack and get in on some of the greatest entertainment I have seen in a long time.

Ocean City hosts an Air Show. Based on what my bar patrons were telling me this weekend, these air shows are all over the US. We had the Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, Navy Paratroopers, the Navy Seals, a dozen different dare devil flyers and a few other groups who's names I don't recall. Don't that lower the entertainment value!

I'm telling you, it was so cool to see those jets flying at 500+ MPH, zooming down the beaches, meeting right in front of my bar, barely missing each other, rolling away, turning upside down - the crowd was full of oohs, and aahs as well as cheers and applause. The show started with a Navy Seal, jumping out of a plane, unfurling a huge American Flag behind him, all the while the National Anthem is being sung. The beach and boardwalk crowds stopping to take off their caps and stand, then busting out in a cheer when the Seal landed safely!

There were other patriotic moments. Jets flying in formation in honor of veterans and in honor of v-day, making a vapor trail in the shape of a heart. Or when the Angels came on with their vapor trails puffing out to form "God Bless USA". Lots of good music to go with the moments. Plenty of positive crowd response. Even a tear or two.

Speed and loud engine noises were thrilling as well. My favorite: the big Angel jet flew real slow in front of the bar. Slow and low, big plume of vapor, nose high, tail low (very difficult to keep a plane that heavy in the air at that speed and angle), all to the rock song "Low Rider". Very Cool.

So, I have still worked every Air Show since moving to OC. But this year, I got to really see some of the action. It is sooo worth the effort. You have to get in to your spot by 10:30 am. Show started at noon. Traffic is terrible leaving the event. But, next year: Make the effort. Think about coming to 14th St and the boardwalk. The Skip Jack Grille will be serving up some great cold beer, those fruity slushy drinks and a great burger.

I know I will be there - with any luck I'll be working the Skip Jack. If not - I'll be watching from there. Excellent Summer Entertainment!