My Mom,
Eve, passed away two weeks ago today (on June 13th, 2014). For several months she was battling pancreatic cancer. I felt it was important to share this news with my fellow dive buddies as many of you have interacted with my mom since we started this scuba community.
My mom was my biggest DiveBuddy fan. She was always on the website. She replied to many of your forum topics. She commented on many of your photos. While she wasn’t a certified scuba diver, she was the best damn surface support in the world.
She participated in saving turtles, she helped us with gear and travel arrangements, she packed lunches, she swam with the manatees. My mom belonged to this scuba community as much as anyone of us.
Many of you have met my mom personally, at her home in North Carolina, on a beach or at a local dive site. If you remember her at all, you probably remember her willingness to help with anything, her stubbornness, her kindness, her "take no shit" attitude, and her love for friends and family.
For the last few years, The Davis family has gone on annual vacations to different destinations. So far, our most favorite trip, including my mom’s favorite, was swimming with the manatees at
Three Sisters Spring in Crystal River, Florida. I can remember my mom’s initial apprehension about getting in the water with these huge animals! Her nervousness slowly faded when she and my daughter, Macy, pet a manatee from the safety of our boat. My mom’s competitiveness kicked in when she watched my 10 year old daughter get in the water. She said "If Macy can do it, so can I." After taking that first plunge, it took no time at all for my mom to settle in and enjoy the awesome experience of swimming with gentle giants.
We will all miss you mom. I love you. Rest In Peace.
P.S. Mom...on my next amazing dive trip, I’ll make sure to spread some of your ashes underwater so you can be gobbled up by tiny fish then pooped out :) (don’t worry, my mom would find that funny)