Love this one. And you and Barbara were gracious enough to invite me onto that very junk a couple years later. Glad I didn't know this story then! But it was as lovely as you describe out on that water. Great story, and, like others, my heart stopped and the tears came as I read to where you were both out in that water.
Every parent who reads this has actual.tears when you and the red life jacket save that adorable kid of yours. Heartstopping and heartwarming all in one TRUE story! Bravo, dad.
What a great life and a great story. Have you been back to Hong Kong since the end of the “colony?” Do you have friends still there who have weathered the changes? Is the boat still there? You have a different notion of an expat than I do: I think of people who are living in another country because it’s cheaper and they’re retired so their fixed income goes further. My parents were expats in Mexico.
Thanks, Kim. I've been back to Asia, but not Hong Kong. As far as I know, our friends are probably scattered to the winds - it' been 26 years since the handover. As for the junk, I kind of doubt it...
A friend's boat (or in this case, junk) is the best kind of boat. Those of us too uncool to be part of the Junk Owner's Club had to wait for the occasional invites from you swanky types, and to try not to seem too eager. I never heard that overboard story, which makes my heart stop just to read it. I always thought young C was a natural blond. I never knew his hair color had been stripped by the toxic gumbo that was Aberdeen Harbor...
Ok, sometimes I laugh/giggle/guffaw, but I had to fight back tears on this one. I love red life jackets!🥲
Love this one. And you and Barbara were gracious enough to invite me onto that very junk a couple years later. Glad I didn't know this story then! But it was as lovely as you describe out on that water. Great story, and, like others, my heart stopped and the tears came as I read to where you were both out in that water.
Thank you, Janie...
Eeesh. The terror of this is palpable. This is the only time I can remember wishing your writing was less vivid.
Doesn't it seem like an exotic boat in an exotic land should be spelled junque?
My heart stopped as I read this story. Every parents nightmare right there. I would keep that little life jacket forever.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful recollection. Thank God for your quick reaction.
My heart stopped. Now it's beating normally again, but with more gratitude.
Every parent who reads this has actual.tears when you and the red life jacket save that adorable kid of yours. Heartstopping and heartwarming all in one TRUE story! Bravo, dad.
thank you, Sandy...
Yikes! That is a terrifying story! Adding “life-saving hero” to your long list of experiences.
“ stuff as dreams are made on” indeed. (Incidentally, one of the great ad libbed lines in cinematic history!)
thanks, John. So, Bogie steals a line from Shakespeare but doesn't get it right, and Woody Allen steals a line from Bogart and gets it wrong, too?
What a great life and a great story. Have you been back to Hong Kong since the end of the “colony?” Do you have friends still there who have weathered the changes? Is the boat still there? You have a different notion of an expat than I do: I think of people who are living in another country because it’s cheaper and they’re retired so their fixed income goes further. My parents were expats in Mexico.
Thanks, Kim. I've been back to Asia, but not Hong Kong. As far as I know, our friends are probably scattered to the winds - it' been 26 years since the handover. As for the junk, I kind of doubt it...
A friend's boat (or in this case, junk) is the best kind of boat. Those of us too uncool to be part of the Junk Owner's Club had to wait for the occasional invites from you swanky types, and to try not to seem too eager. I never heard that overboard story, which makes my heart stop just to read it. I always thought young C was a natural blond. I never knew his hair color had been stripped by the toxic gumbo that was Aberdeen Harbor...
okay, if this is the REAL Maggie Fox, then in what city did we first meet?
1. Beijing
2. Seoul
3. Hong Kong
4. Charleston
2. Plus this is the one legitimate time someone can ask you to show them your junk.
A lucky guess....
Some things are well worth keeping. A grateful heart one of them.