This was a quite tragic event, dying on a cave dive. You tell the story with such lightness and humor. I would imagine Jack was somehow a bit traumatized, no? The whole part w bringing him home and his casket/box “leaking” is kind of gross and a bit funny. I never thought about how a dead person, who dies abroad gets transported home…interesting.
What a way to go out - I think Harry couldn't have planned it better. Wasn't sure to cry, despair or laugh out loud at the way you told the story and described Harry.
Oh thank you! I tend to have a dark sense of humor about death. And Harry’s death was a dark comedy of errors.
Quick tidbit. My father passed away in 2018 my father passed away suddenly. At the funeral home that first visit, they asked about clothes for the body. I mentioned it would be funny to put him in a bra and panties. My sister and I laughed a little too hard and lacked decorum , earning a dirty look from the funeral director. To this day we still laugh at the idea.
Oh my, that is quite a vivid picture to image there at the end. But if you think your Harry would have laughed about it, he sounds like my kind of guy.
Oh everyone loved Harry. He was a good egg. Really a story like that is a moment in time, you just can't make up. For me there was no time for sadness in his loss. We were mission driven to get him home to Texas. But he lives on in my life every time I tell the story.
Anís con tres moscas is what we'd order in Mexico DF at the time. This is the best story I've read on Substack. You have to live these things to tell the stories, and then the touch to convey them well. Really enjoyed the narrative, thanks Kay.
@Bryan Estep if you are calling DF, DF, then you my friend have been around the block. It’s now the Cuidad de Mexico CDMX my younger amigos remind me. Always DF to me. I am glad you appreciate the humor in such a real experience. the story is better face to face with my body language too! 😂. More stories to come, stay tuned. Salud! 🍻
Yes, to me, there are DF times and CDMX times. Those were the DF times. Btw, if you haven’t seen Mexico ‘86 with Diego Luna on Netflix, it’s worth a watch. The characters seem very familiar.
A riveting story. Real life events sometimes have unbelievable coincidences. Will be on a cruise ship at cozumel tomorrow traveling with freinds, another unbelievable coincidence that I am here now. I live your stories.
Thanks @markorwoll it is even funnier when I tell it verbally, and with body language. "Gross" yes, but then again life is gross sometimes. My best to you.
I had to coordinate repatriating the body of a client who died on a ship we had chartered in Antartica. He had a stroke and there was a severe storm, so the airlift medevac couldn’t get to him. He died in surgery after we were able to have another ship take him to Ushuaia. We flew his sister down to escort him home. I filed all the paperwork. It was a lot, but I learned so much in that situation, and I’m glad I couldn’t help.
I wish this was the only story I have about death during my life in Mexico. But as you said these situations provide lessons few people get in life and actually can come in handy.
It really depends on the purpose of the trip Anne Marie. I certainly love the luxury haciendas of Yucatan, the jungle of Chiapas, the art and environment (and the food) of Oaxaca. I deliberately choose for myself the obscure or perhaps just unusual of a place, even if it is a mainstream destination, I intentionally seek out things the masses have missed or over overlooked as they seek the perfect selfie.
.. after 13 visits to Providenciales - several years research - can make an excellent case for TCI - would suggest an ‘exploratory visit - if intrigued
Have had the pleasure of interviewing 4 decades of Air Canada Personnel & some of the tales re ‘attempts to check in & board dead persons are wild
I want a place to take my kids, quiet beaches, local food, small boutique hotels. I want the opposite of a cabo or a PVR, like Tulum in 2010 when I first went
What a marvelous story celebrating both your dear friend Harry and what it means to live a life you love! Thank you, dear Kay! Love and blessings always! 🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻
This was a quite tragic event, dying on a cave dive. You tell the story with such lightness and humor. I would imagine Jack was somehow a bit traumatized, no? The whole part w bringing him home and his casket/box “leaking” is kind of gross and a bit funny. I never thought about how a dead person, who dies abroad gets transported home…interesting.
Funny you mention Jack. I have not seen him since that weekend. I had never thought of that.
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing it!
That was actually less dramatic than I anticipated, but somehow all the more tragic for it. 😥 Poor Harry. 😥
A tragic comedy I think.
What a way to go out - I think Harry couldn't have planned it better. Wasn't sure to cry, despair or laugh out loud at the way you told the story and described Harry.
Oh thank you! I tend to have a dark sense of humor about death. And Harry’s death was a dark comedy of errors.
Quick tidbit. My father passed away in 2018 my father passed away suddenly. At the funeral home that first visit, they asked about clothes for the body. I mentioned it would be funny to put him in a bra and panties. My sister and I laughed a little too hard and lacked decorum , earning a dirty look from the funeral director. To this day we still laugh at the idea.
Oh my, that is quite a vivid picture to image there at the end. But if you think your Harry would have laughed about it, he sounds like my kind of guy.
Oh everyone loved Harry. He was a good egg. Really a story like that is a moment in time, you just can't make up. For me there was no time for sadness in his loss. We were mission driven to get him home to Texas. But he lives on in my life every time I tell the story.
That’s probably the best any of us can hope for … that people are still smiling every time they think of us.
Yes, very true.
Anís con tres moscas is what we'd order in Mexico DF at the time. This is the best story I've read on Substack. You have to live these things to tell the stories, and then the touch to convey them well. Really enjoyed the narrative, thanks Kay.
@Bryan Estep if you are calling DF, DF, then you my friend have been around the block. It’s now the Cuidad de Mexico CDMX my younger amigos remind me. Always DF to me. I am glad you appreciate the humor in such a real experience. the story is better face to face with my body language too! 😂. More stories to come, stay tuned. Salud! 🍻
Yes, to me, there are DF times and CDMX times. Those were the DF times. Btw, if you haven’t seen Mexico ‘86 with Diego Luna on Netflix, it’s worth a watch. The characters seem very familiar.
Oh thanks for the Netflix recommendation! On my list for the weekend. Maybe I will pour a tequila to sip for the flick!
A riveting story. Real life events sometimes have unbelievable coincidences. Will be on a cruise ship at cozumel tomorrow traveling with freinds, another unbelievable coincidence that I am here now. I live your stories.
Have a margarita for me. Made with Hornitos, not Jose Cuervo. 😉 Enjoy.
Mexico magico. ;)
Tragic, weirdly funny, at times gross, but always beautifully told.
This comment is spot on 👆
Thanks @markorwoll it is even funnier when I tell it verbally, and with body language. "Gross" yes, but then again life is gross sometimes. My best to you.
I had to coordinate repatriating the body of a client who died on a ship we had chartered in Antartica. He had a stroke and there was a severe storm, so the airlift medevac couldn’t get to him. He died in surgery after we were able to have another ship take him to Ushuaia. We flew his sister down to escort him home. I filed all the paperwork. It was a lot, but I learned so much in that situation, and I’m glad I couldn’t help.
I wish this was the only story I have about death during my life in Mexico. But as you said these situations provide lessons few people get in life and actually can come in handy.
Where do you think people should visit in Mexico now? Tulum has changed too much
It really depends on the purpose of the trip Anne Marie. I certainly love the luxury haciendas of Yucatan, the jungle of Chiapas, the art and environment (and the food) of Oaxaca. I deliberately choose for myself the obscure or perhaps just unusual of a place, even if it is a mainstream destination, I intentionally seek out things the masses have missed or over overlooked as they seek the perfect selfie.
.. after 13 visits to Providenciales - several years research - can make an excellent case for TCI - would suggest an ‘exploratory visit - if intrigued
Have had the pleasure of interviewing 4 decades of Air Canada Personnel & some of the tales re ‘attempts to check in & board dead persons are wild
I want a place to take my kids, quiet beaches, local food, small boutique hotels. I want the opposite of a cabo or a PVR, like Tulum in 2010 when I first went
What a marvelous story celebrating both your dear friend Harry and what it means to live a life you love! Thank you, dear Kay! Love and blessings always! 🙏🏻🌹🙏🏻
Thanks Todd. Miss you let’s catch up some time soon. 🙏☮️