the gift of water

Water in a glass bottle, and a $1.25 pirated copy

of still in movie theatre's "the Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

I just learned today that my high school swim coach passed away several days ago. I don't know the circumstances, but he was under 50 years old and in good health.





I feel





shocked


sad


contemplative


and grateful to have him a big part of my teenage years.








When I reflect on my high school experience, it is not without him, swimming and my swim team friends. I think he instilled confidence and hard work in all of us. There are many many stories and memories and wisdom I have from Coach,








one part of him, that is now a part of me is my propensity to drink large amounts of water.








if any of us swimmers ever complained of any ailment he always said, "Drink more water."








even if we complained of having too much homework, or of getting grounded by our parents!





Days before a big race he'd have the whole swim team chugging a gallon of water of day to hydrate us.








Once I became a water drinker, I couldn't stop. I hate to go anywhere without a water bottle, and often drink two or three glasses of water at every meal.








Here in our Thailand, our hotel has glass bottles of drinking water. They put three bottles everyday in the room when they clean it, free of charge.





three bottles is definitely not enough for me in this hot and humid climate. The staff here knows me well now, and often leaves two more bottles outside out door in case I get thirsty.





Whenever Ned comments on how much water I drink, I always give credit to Coach, who got me hooked in my swimming days.





well, I'm going to finish this blog and go have a swim in the ocean for my Coach.




thank you,
Coach Tuttle.
I'll miss you.