I’ve spent a lot of time with extended family these past two weeks and have experienced some great full circle moments. Shelly, one of my twin nieces, is now the mother of twin girls herself, and I got to see them and hold them for  the first time. I didn’t want to let them go. Kelly, my other twin niece, sent her 11 year old daughter to spend a week in Rochester because of the fond  memories she has of spending time here as a child.

Another memorable event for me was taking my grandson, Evan, to Seabreeze for the first time. Evan is 21 months old now, and I wasn’t sure he would be brave enough to ride on the little cars or the boats, but after one loop around, he was clapping and waving and ready for more.  He liked the train, but was not sure about the carousel and the horse that went up and down. But he did manage to play skeeball (my favorite game) with a little help from Dad.

While we were enjoying the day, my mind kept being drawn back to my own childhood experiences at Seabreeze – Safety Patrol picnics and family outings. I loved the Goofy House, but hated the rotating barrel. I don’t think I ever made it through there standing up. And I was thinking of my mother who loved to tell the story of how she threw up after riding the Jack Rabbit 17 times. In my head, I heard my uncles telling stories about swimming in the Natatorium and dancing in the dance hall.

That’s why I wrote Lost at Seabreeze. I know that other people have the same happy memories of it that I do. It’s been a favorite entertainment spot for Rochesterians for over 100 years. A place where grandparents can take their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and everyone can have a good time. Now I can’t wait to take Molly there next year and for us to ride together on the airplanes. I may even let her steer.