Photo by Ron Church
My relationship with the Ocean began almost at birth. In the beginning it was a very difficult relationship. It took allot of patience, understanding and respect! Beauty and love followed. My sister and I spent the first 10 years of our lives diving in the Oceans of the world, traveling around the European Coast on the Calypso, becoming "best friends" with many sea creatures and some pretty incredible people.
From as young as I can and can't remember, the Ocean was like part of the family, a place we visited every where around the world we traveled, it was the "breath of fresh air" we finally embraced when back in her arms again! My father gave me this gift, and there is not one day that goes by that I do not remember him, miss him or love him. He is my hero.
Ron Church Photo
Since his death, I had drifted away from the sea for many years, trying to find my place in life. I began diving 7 years ago, and felt a connection I had long lost. Through a very good friend of my fathers, Barbara Allen, I was put in contact with Dr. Andreas Rechnitzer while he and his wife were traveling in Alaska. We formed an immediate bond and he has giving me the greatest gift of my adult life, being able to meet former friends, associates & colleagues of my father.
I was invited to the DSPA/Trieste/Sealab Reunion in March 2002 by Andy, and it is something I will never forget! Many of the Worlds most talented and accomplished Oceanographers, Scientist, Deep Sea Pilots, Engineers, photographers and more were there. I could hardly breathe while in the room, it was so overwhelming! I had the great privilege of meeting for the first time since I was a child, Ed Cargile whom was a very close personal friend and associate of my fathers. I have a whole new appreciation for the military and what these men have sacrificed for us all. Ed is not one to outright tell you of all he has accomplished in his life but the list goes on and on, and is one quite deserving of respect and admiration.
Andy is a wealth of information and generosity. His legacy will go down in history books until the end of time. This man created the rules of diving! He has seen things and been places under the water where no one else has ever been! He still dives in the artic dropping down through a hole cut several feet deep through the ice, hunt's for treasure around the world, speaks at meeting's and seminars concerning the Oceans around us and no matter how tired he is, always willing to share information with the next person who asks "What was it like down there?".
Photo
by Tani
So now, I live in Alaska, traveling and diving around Southeast Alaska making "best friends" with the many big and small creatures along the way. The people in my life, well, they are my strength, my family, my reason for trying to do more and to do better!
Thank you all!
Tani