The Memorial Kites

There are times in your life that you know you hang out with the right people. I am proud to be a member of the San Diego Kite Club because they respect and cherish its members and who they are. In the summer of 1990, a group of kite flyers gathered at a park bench at the flying field south of the Hilton hotel. Ideas abounded on what the club should be and what its purpose would be. Some of those founding members are physically not with us but in memory and are still very strong and participating members.

The club’s gesture of flying a kite for each of its members who have passed was very respectful and appreciated. Twelve yellow kites had names of San Diego Kite Club members on them who are no longer with us. The kites were walked out on the field with one person holding the kite while another held the handle of the string to the kite. As each of the members’ name was called, the kite was sent aloft. Soon the kites bobbed and weaved, and laughter filled the air as the kites imitated the of the member it represented. Some of the kites flew strong and proud, others clashed and nearly fell to the ground only to be tangled in another kites’ line and then relaunched in mid air, like one San Diego Kite Club member help another.

Thanks to all who put on the event and memorial services for Charlie. Ron who wrote and read Charlie’s eulogy said it best, “…In our kiting world there’s simply only one ‘Charlie.’.” At least that is what I heard while trying to get the sand out of my eyes, because there is no crying in kite flying.

To good friends, tight lines and strong winds: Launch!- The sky’s the limit, reach for it!