The Pipeline(Martha Hume) It was the summer of 1980. I was a newlywed for six months. Glenn and I went with his siblings and a selection of his cousins. The other married members of our group paired off. Glenn was occupied with his brothers while I stayed near the bank slowly coaxing his three year old nephew. His parents said the baby wouldn't come in the water. Something in my gut said my nephew wanted to be included in the fun. On my hunch alone I continued coaxing him.

My efforts were richly rewarded when Brucie left the sandy bank.one inch at a time he found his courage to come one step after step into my arms. I waded deeper and deeper into the center of the icy water. I tapped his mom and dad and said " look who wants to join the fun. His mama was pleasantly surprised. His Dad said I shouldn't have. I had overstepped the boundaries of being an aunt. I apologized, however, I didn't mean it. Swimming and the icy swim hole, the Pipeline, was family fun. When Brucie was ready to return to his sand structures I provided him safe transportation in my arms with every adult watching intensely.

A short time later this family fun took a much darker turn. Glenn was floating face up through the almost non existent currents he appeared to be unconscious. I called and called his name to no avail. He would not respond. His brothers tried Glenn but wasn't showing any noticeable response. His sister tried again and he showed no response. Together we all tried calling his name and shaking him.Glenn was unresponsive.

Seconds before my concern became Hysteria and what might have become mass hysteria Glenn came back to an upright position laughing hysterically. Instinctively I slapped him . Everyone turned suddenly in our direction. Their faces displayed fear as the women shouted " Don't you hit her, you deserved a hard slap. She should have cussed you until a fly wouldn't land on you."

Glenn and I would have our lifetime to discover the depths of our love. His family would have the same time to know me. For the most part they accepted me into the family with love.

---