To say that shit happens is an understatement. Sometimes an avalanche happens, which is what happened in my personal life this month.

My father suffered a second stroke a few weeks ago, which not only devastated him, but has kind of taken over my personal life over the last few weeks as well. Although he was released from the hospital a couple of days ago, it is obvious that his recovery will take quite a long time. I pray that my father makes a full and complete recovery as soon as possible. He knows I love him, and I am there for him.

One night after visiting my father at the hospital, I came home and looked at some old photo albums, and reminisced about the past. My dad used to be a big rig truck driver, and was a big strong tough man. I remember him bringing me to the gym when I was four years old, and showing me how to work out when as a teenager. We used to go to the gym all the time together. I remember my dad teaching me how to box at a young age, and taking me for my first karate lesson. My dad was always there for me when I played sports, he was always by my side. As an adult I have not been as close to my dad as I was when I was young, but when I needed his help, he was always there; I am going to do my best to change that while I still can, and be there for him as he now needs help.

A high school friend, and a fellow football player, at Chatsworth high school, “Dan Goldsmith,” passed away this last week. Dan was a good friend of mine in high school, and one of my surfing buddies as well. Although as adults we were not as close to each other as we were in high school, we still kept in contact. Other friends of mine surfed with Dan less than two weeks ago, Dan is now gone. I send my prayers and condolences to his family. His father owns Rocket Messenger here at Chatsworth California, which is a company I use quite regularly.

Hearing about Dan’s Goldsmiths untimely death, caused me to reminisce about his life, and the past. When we were in high school in the late 70s and early 80s, everyone had long hair, and rock ‘n roll was the music we listened to. Growing up here the San Fernando Valley (S. F. V.) was an incredible experience. Weekend nights were spent at countless parties with live bands and kegs of beer, weekend days were spent surfing at Zuma Beach, Malibu beach, County line, Topanga, etc. They made movies about the valley scene back then. I actually lived it, and so did Dan. Chatsworth Chancellors baby.

Believe it or not when I was in high school, I had long blonde curly hair. (For some reason my hair got darker when I was in the Air Force) Dan Goldsmith also had long blonde curly hair in high school. We used to party hard, and we used to surf hard. Dan, if you can hear me, which I know you can, hang loose my brother. We will see each other again sometime in the future. Hopefully however, not too soon if you know what I mean.

This month has been a real lesson for me and what is important in life. You can spend your time chasing money, sweating the small shit, worrying about trivial things, etc. In the end, you cannot take your money to the grave. All that really matters is that you’re a good person, and that you have good relationships with people.

By the California Motorcycle Accident and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, © 2009

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