My father-in-law Don passed away this week. After the deaths of my own parents, Don and his wife Betty became surrogate parents to me and I will miss him greatly. But he left a wonderful legacy on living out his dreams that I would like to share with you.

Back in the 1970's, Don was a busy production executive for ABC television in Los Angeles. It was a wonderful job, allowing him to witness moments of history. He was present at the Kennedy-Nixon debates, trying to convince Richard Nixon to put on some make-up. One of his favorite assignments was to cover many of the Apollo space launches in Houston.

But it was also a stressful job, and he would get away whenever he could. His place of refuge was Morro Bay, California; a beautiful little fishing village on the Central Coast. On one memorable trip, he looked out over the peaceful bay with the fishing boats bobbing in their slips and Morro Rock rising over the ocean. The gentle California sun warmed his shoulders and he turned to his children and said, "This is where I want to retire."

He had no idea how that was going to happen. Life was hectic, money was tight; but over the years, he planned his strategy. It took about 10 years, but eventually he was able to move permanently to the Central Coast. He and Betty lived in a lovely little home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Their house became a place of refuge for their family, too. Whenever we needed a break, the door was always open to us and we spent many happy hours here in Cayucos.

Don and Betty became much-loved members of the community, volunteering at the Senior Center and eating out at restaurants where they became part of the family. They loved to drive out to Morro Rock and look at the sea otters frolicking and raising their pups in the sheltered waters of Morro Bay.

So here's to a life well lived, and a dream fulfilled. We are all the better for having known Don and Betty and in our grief are able to gather together at this place of refuge. May you be blessed in living out your dreams, too. And should you ever find yourself in Morro Bay, drive out to the rock, look for the otters and tell them Don and Betty sent you.