How we met

On my first solo SCUBA trip, on August 4, 1995, I boarded the plane in Houston bound for Cozumel. Sitting in the window seat was a very tired young woman to whom I was immediately attracted. This was Dotty Cooley--my first meeting with her. I had no idea that the meeting was to lead to such a loving relationship. Dotty had recently been certified and had no dive buddy. I volunteered and that became the start of our relationship.

Seeking Fun with Dotty

Dotty and I had a lot of fun together. Besides going on a couple of SCUBA trips together, we travelled around Texas and visited with each other in Houston and Austin. Dotty was always a giving, caring person. Sometimes we enjoyed more or less organized activities and other times it was just great to spend hours just talking about whatever interests we shared.

Dotty's Legacy

Dotty left a lasting impression on all of her students that she taught in the 3rd grade gifted students class at Bendwood Elementary School. She always had good stories about her students and she went beyond mere duty in her job....I remember numerous trips to bookstores looking for the "coolest" books to interest her students. I know how much her students loved her because of the outpouring of concern in the handmade cards and posters they sent to Dotty in the hospital and later to Dotty's family. It stands as a very important legacy that Dotty contributed so much to these childrens' lives.