Rip, Weap, Pray

We're just back from a family vacation. Our gang gathered for five days in Eastern PA at a state park with lots of swimming, kayak, fishing and plenty of together time.

Sadly, the vacation for the Leech family of the Pittsburgh / Fox Chapel went with a tragic ending. Swimming and beach play clashed with a rip tide and the father, Tony, age 44, (same as me), died.

Sons, ages of 11 and 10, got caught in a rip current off the beach on the Pacific. Leech and a local resident went into the surf to save the boys. Three survived.

This past winter it was my great pleasure to coach and interact with a swimmer on the varsity team at Fox Chapel Area High School. Her uncle was taken. In these times, my family and I pray for all in the Leech family. Such a tragic loss.

A Trib article, Rip currents: An uncertain threat makes for a meaningful content for a family huddle.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/search/s_207382.html

About Mr. Leech: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/pittsburgh/s_207386.html

In the weeks to come, our family will be headed out for another swim in the ocean. This painful loss will press on our minds, always. My, how conditions can swirl and things are never again the same.