THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.
It’s good to be home.
I was born in Los Angeles, but Big Bear will always be the Wright’s home.
I have resided in San Clemente for the past 35 years, but it’s not my home, it’s my childrens’ home. Big Bear will always be my home. That’s how it should be. Where you grew up should always be your home. My daughter, Brianna, chose Big Bear Lake to be her wedding location, yet she resides in Dallas, Texas. This tells you something about Big Bear: it’s part of her heart as well. We made sure Big Bear was a part of our kids’ recreational life and exposed our own friend’s children to such a beautiful place, as well.
A couple years ago, I was asked to speak at Shawn Seaman’s memorial. Shawn was my dear friend and little brother. It was an honor to be chosen, but also an extremely challenging, emotional period in my life. Preparing to speak at the memorial gave me the opportunity to reflect on my childhood in Big Bear and the relationships I built, that still withstand in my adult life. I realize we had more than just friendships. I gained brothers and sisters. Big Bear is a brotherhood. We always stick together.
It doesn’t mean everyone likes each other or that everyone gets along. A whole different social glue exists when you’re from Big Bear Lake. There’s an altruistic goal that can’t be put into words but we are all happy to call it “home,” even if it is part-time.
Recently, a partnership was formed between Big Bear Lake and South Coast Magazine for our electronic recreation platform. Recreation has been our business for 35 years and what better place to re-create than our local mountains!
The support from the community and the active participation from folks like the Stalcup’s, Hamilton’s, Roman’s, Reese Troublefield and staff, and gentlemen like Kurt Madden, Dave Stone and family has been phenomenal.
I recently attended Charlene Stalcup’s 80th birthday party which reminded me just what Big Bear is all about. We ran into John and Jackie Eminger, good friends of my mom, whom I had not seen in 20 years. To reminisce on old times with them still brings a smile to my face. It was a glorious day in the mountains.
Below is an excerpt I wrote about Charlene’s husband, Ed, in 2008. Another exemplary prose: “Big Bear lost one of its true Cowboys when Ed Stalcup recently passed on. Mr. Stalcup was the high school football coach, roping cowboy at the local wild burro race and Freshman English teacher. As a grade school kid, he seemed larger than life. After you got through with his class, you realized he was as much of a big teddy bear as he was a cowboy. Most important he became your friend, your brother. Ed’s motto was K.I.S.S.: Keep It Simple, Stupid.”
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Stalcup.