Today, its approximately 90 degrees at KPPC and I'm starring at Building 93 wondering how hot all the patients must have been.  The Long Island sound is shimmering from this high point clear across the horizon below.  While most rooms in 93 face the water, I painfully wonder if any of the patients dreamt about the water or swimming to cool off.  As a constant reminder the majestic 93 towers over this beautiful site, where the sky meets the water, and continues far away.  

A man approaches me and says, "I haven't seen you here."  We talk for some time.  I learned all about his life, and incredible details of KPPC.  We walk from building to building showing me all his favorite spots.  He explains the daunting history attached to each one, including those buildings gone.  There is much history here, including a farm, stable, shoemaker building, wood shop, and buried train tracks, all of which he showed me.  I have walked over these train tracks many times, and have never noticed them.  He never stops talking.

We also talked about photography for some time.  There were many questions of piqued interest.  I explained as best I could the borrowed Infrared camera I had with me.  I showed him the shots I had taken, there were wow's.  

Then we stopped in the shade, overlooking the Coal building, and he turned to me and said, "I have to tell you a story."

He said, "Do you believe that things happen for a reason?  Or being at the right place at the right time?  Do you believe in destiny?"

His Story:

He grew up in Northport, NY, and one day his family decided to go fishing on the dock.  A photographer approached his father and explained he was taking photographs to be later printed on Post Cards of Long Island.  The photos were taken, and the photographer mailed a couple dozen of these Post Cards to the family.  His parents recently passed away, and the Post Cards were no longer to be found.  A few months after their passing he went to a Tag Sale (on Long Island), and pulled out a $5 bill to purchase the same Post Card that was postmarked in Minnesota, inscribed on the back, "Having a Great Vacation on Long Island."  He wrote this story attached it carefully to the Post Card and put it in a safe for his children.  

Below is a photo I had taken along our journey, including a photograph of my new friend.  As we were both walking briskly-this is what I got.

Dedicated to Tom - for opening his life to me Tom