The Summer He Jumped
Note to reader: This is part of an ongoing series about the life of my youngest son, Charlie, who died in July 2022. It’s a love letter to the unspoken places of mothering, parenting, divorce, and grieving. Most of this series is behind a paid paywall for now. If you are new here, you can start at the beginning.
This photo is from 30 years ago. It was the week Charlie was turning 1 years old. He had just learned to walk. It was also the week he jumped off the diving board for the first time at the country club pool. Charlie had followed his older brother Willie (age 3) to the board. He watched Willie jump first. And then Charlie walked to the end of the board. I was waiting for him in the deep end.
“If you jump,” I said. “I’ll catch you."
You can find out what happened by watching the opening to BODIES OF WATER.
I’m sharing a sneak peek of the opening here. Please don’t share. It’s for Substack readers only.
This Friday, July 17th, Charlie would be turning 31 years old. Instead he will forever be 27.
In honor of Charlie, I invite you to think of someone who is struggling. Someone you may have judged. Someone you may have given up on. Or perhaps someone you’ve stopped seeing.
Hold them gently in your heart.
Now think of a body of water you love. A river. A lake. An ocean. Even the water flowing through your own body.
Bless that body of water. And that bless the person.
And please send Charlie a blessing for his birthday, too.
We’ve been working on completing the documentary BODIES OF WATER. If you would like to know more about the film or make a tax-deductible donation, please click this link or contact betsy@betsybmurphy.com.
While our initial fundraising goals were met to produce the story, your additional support helps us film additional interviews for environmental and mental health campaigns, license additional footage, secure music rights, expand festival and press outreach, and bring the film to audiences through a seven-day Los Angeles screening in September 2026. With your help, this story can reach the families, advocates, and communities who need it most. All amounts appreciated.