Reflection: 03/19/2020 Rebirth and renewal are the normal signs of spring...today, however, feels as if those qualities may be gone forever. I take solace in my relative solitude because I had to do it as a caregiver & can do it now to help others virtually get through this dark time in our 🌎 #TBT: 2012 #FirstDayOfSpring: my mother, Madalyn Hammer (1942-2018) #SandyHookLighthouse at @GatewayNPS #NJ. Mom loved the breezes, the views of the natural beauty on the beach (but NOT Gunnison 🤣🍆🍑🤣)‼️ On that day, we walked in silence, listening to the birds, absorbing the solemnity of all the buildings at the adjacent #FortHancock. Mom (and I) want/ed to see all of the historic #OfficersRow houses preserved...she also wanted to make one of them a respite home for veterans and active duty military and their families who suffered from #PTSD) ♥️ I hope one day the miniature city will come back to life. We used to go to the @NJSeaGrantConsortium HQ OpenHouse on the Hook every May; we were fascinated by the research @NOAA did & the variety of organizations who had tables and booths and resources for children. We loved the touch tanks and the aquariums which showcased the local aquatic life. It's impossible to overstate the economic impacts that the quality of water and managing catch limits has to allow #RaritanBay / #SandyHookBay & the #TwoRivers region to survive/thrive for commercial fishermen, boaters and anglers, birdwatchers, and tourists. I share all this through my historic #rosecoloredglasses tint to recall a simpler time when the 1st day of spring meant for us to get outside and enjoy life...(and yes 🍋 @strolloslighthouse homemade #ItalianIce on the way home...) ♥️ Mom, I pray to you & to all our loved ones with you 🙏: PLEASE continue to watch over us all, especially the elderly, those afflicted by #cancer, those who are isolated, or feel hopeless. You made me a stronger man by giving me #strengthcourageandwisdom to carry us through our journey. I miss my co-pilot and class trip buddy. Now, more than ever before, we MUST be like #MADALYN and #MakeADifferenceAndLoveYourNeighbor‼️ #TheShowMustGoOn. Love, your favorite son, Christopher XO (at Gateway National Park, Sandy Hook) https://www.instagram.com/p/B967pNAAjGv/?igshid=mfw3ieaa8qwv
