Wednesday, February 28, 2024
I remember vividly Adam's backyard. Upon arrival you would dart to the left of the driveway in attempts to make it to his backyard. A small path would lead you up to a fence. Prior to the fence were beautiful trees and flowers, almost like they were meticulously placed. At that time in my life I paid no attention to this portion of the landscape as I had one goal in mind. My only obligation was to swim in the huge underground pool Adam so generously hosted myself and my two siblings. A diving board, a water slide, and soft Chip Ahoy cookies, what more could I ask for as a child? As you grow old you notice a majority of your memories are forgotten or fading, opaque in a way. However some slip through the cracks of time and have such a vivid grasp on your mind upon reflection. For me Adam is vividly present in many of my childhood memories. As children we are glamorously attracted to the cool new toy, the big pool, and the fancy gadgets, yet when I visited Adam's, within minutes I did not find myself using the pool, however I was sitting on his side patio listening to him tell stories. Just like that, the original reason I came to his backyard was so unimportant and all I cared about was his wisdom, and endless entertaining stories. At the time, Adam just had knee surgery, in which they placed a metal plate in his knee. From a child's POV this was outlandish uncommon and interesting, and he knew this. He told me one day he was going to be made completely of metal, which would provide him with superhuman abilities. He told me in five years if he had enough surgeries he would have the ability to jump over his fence with ease. "Picture this Brandon, I'm spiriting up to the fence then pop, just like a deer, 10 feet of clearance!" He knew how to entertain me to say the least.
I will always cherish these sorts of memories I shared with Adam Zambuto, including the many trips I made up to his cabin. Adam was so generous to everyone, and especially to my family during my childhood. He was full of spirit, laughs, love and kindness. I am lucky to say the least to be influenced by Adam, and I hope as I continue my journey of life I am able to spread the same kindness and spirit he shared with everyone in his Life. Cheers to Adam Zambuto, one extraordinary, miraculous human!
