Midi: "By the Sea," an original composition by BRUCE DEBOER, is used with his permission. Bruce retains the copyright on this composition. Click on the bubble to visit Bruce's website to hear his beautiful original music. |
It all started with a simple question during a conversation with my best friend. "If you found you only had a year to live, what would you absolutely HAVE to do? You know ... a dream to fulfill?" Marty and I have left-field conversations like this all the time. But this time was a bit different. After sharing our dreams -- a hot air balloon flight for her and a swim with a dolphin for me -- we suddenly stopped and questioned, "Why do we have to be dying to get to fulfill a dream?" Good question, actually. A year or so later, Marty, accompanied by her husband and teenage son, took that hot air balloon ride. And a couple of years following that, I was able to share a swim with a playful dolphin. When I approached my husband about the possibility of visiting Discovery Cove during our upcoming Orlando vacation, I was thrilled to see that he was as excited about the dolphin adventure as I was! All I had to do was look at the website and I'd cry. I was really going to get to swim with a real, live dolphin ... just like "Flipper." I believe it was due to my love of that television show as a child that created my love of the animal. Our play date at Discovery Cove was with "Goofy" ... a 35+ year old dolphin who had retired to Discovery Cove after a lengthy performing career at Sea World. In fact, Goofy was one of the original performers at the Orlanda Sea World when it opened in the 1970s! Our trainer assured us that Goofy was definitely the matriarch of the many dolphins at Discovery Cove and that she was indeed in charge around there! She was so sweet and gentle. She loved to be hugged, kissed, and even tickled. And she enjoyed getting treats from all of her new friends, too. Ick ... sushi! You didn't realize until you swam out to the middle of the lagoon and allowed her to pull you safely back to the shore, just how incredibly powerful these creatures are. Rick said at the time that he truly believed that if humans had been created to inhabit the sea, dolphins would definitely be "man's best friend." I think he's right. It was wonderful to live out a dream. |
Come I'll take you for a ride I'll be so gentle too Want to show a special world Deep water of the blue Filled with sights for all to see That make your heart just glow Beauty that's beyond belief This day a special show Come with me for a special swim Hold on nice and tight I'll take you to the calmest place Your heart will feel so light This world is mine but I will share The depths of pure delight Crystal water so serene Filled with life so bright Sometimes we need a place to go That gives us so much ease Today I offer you this gift The joy of blue sea breeze Guiding you with friendship Forever at your side Journey you will not forget True friend of sea arrived. ~ Francine Pucillo ~ Copyrighted poem used with permission Click on the bubble to read more of Francine's poetry |
This page was last updated on: January 22, 2005
