An Ocean’s Reach Family Portrait, 1976
The Goertemiller Family, 1976
Thank you for letting me share with my Ocean’s Reach friends and family a picture of the Goertemillers taken over the Christmas holiday in 1976 at Ocean’s Reach—Dru, Lyn, Kurt, Mother and Dad. I remember this trip to Sanibel and those tee shirts Mother made as if it were yesterday.
This is a very special photo to me as it is one of our family’s first of many visits to OR (when OR was just two years old) as guests –and later owners– and a loving tribute to my mother who passed away recently and to my dad who today celebrates 58 years of marriage to my mother! Sanibel was my parent’s favorite family destination spot throughout the years and continues to be the ultimate relaxation spot for my dad.
My siblings and I miss my mother more and more each day as memories resurface, needs go unspoken and the reality of her absence sets in. She was the epicenter of our extended families, a very pretty woman (as you can see), creative and fun loving. We never made an important decision without her!
Thanks, Mother and Dad, for introducing all of us kids to Ocean’s Reach and Sanibel when we were snowbound in the Buckeye state and for the values passed along of hard work, good financial management and the dreams and rewards of condo ownership on a sunny, warm beach that we are fortunate to experience today.
My dad, brother and sister also want to thank the owners, staff and winter guests at Ocean’s Reach who reached out overwhelmingly to us during my mother’s illness and death with their kindness and caring.
Happy Anniversary, Daddy!
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April 14th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Hi Dru,
What a great picture!! I have been trying to figure out who you resemble, but am going to quit. It seems you have the best of both parents. Your Mother was a beautiful lady and looks so proud of all of you in the photo. The most important thing to remember is that your mother is proud still. A warm “Happy Anniversary” to the both of them!
Marilee
April 14th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Dru,
What a wonderful post on a day we are all remembering your mother. Thanks so much. It brought a smile and tears as I remember the magic your mother brought to all the holidays, especially on Sanibel.
Happy Anniversary, Dick.
–Lisa
April 14th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Happy Anniversary, Dad
I’m thinking of you today and I love you!
Lyn
April 14th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Dear Dru,
What a fitting tribute to your Mom and Dad on their anniversary. It was so tender and loving and I am sure when your Dad reads it he will be so touched, I know I sure was.
April 14th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
This picture reminds me of the many fond family memories that we shared on the island at OR as we were growing up. We continue to create new memories with our spouses, nieces, nephews and extended family.
I thank our parents for that!
April 14th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Beautiful family photo. A happy time to remember always.
April 16th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Hi Dru, Your Blogs are terrific. I especially liked this one of your family.
Take care.
April 17th, 2009 at 11:12 am
What a beautiful photo that reminds us of all the wonderful times your family
enjoyed together! It was, indeed, a step into the past. We, too, miss your
mom and love you all.
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
How nice! Dru, you look the same now as you did then. I had no idea you have such a long history with Ocean’s Reach. This is a touching tribute to your family. Thank you for sharing it!
May 25th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I was so impressed by your beautiful posting of a treasured trip you had with your family so many years ago. I have been visiting Sanibel for 45 years and never cease to be thrilled whenever we are approaching the causeway. Although I have traveled to many beautiful places all over the world, Sanibel is still my favorite. My dear husband John passed away 4 years ago on the way back from a trip there, and he is still there in spirit when we return each year. In July I will be celebrating my 80th birthday in Sanibel and will be joined by my beautiful family of 3 children and 11 grandchildren. They feel about Sanibel the same way I do–Paradise. Gloria Conrad
Norwood NJ
December 1st, 2009 at 1:52 am
Hi Kurt,
Are you the Kurt from Mohawk Trails in Indiana? I went to Elementary School and Junior High with you. I am sorry for emailing you on this site but I was looking you up in Facebook and this is what came up. Please email if this is you!