The Cliff House

Dad and Mom, who is pregnant, in San Francisco, 1953, the beginning of Martine’s story.

Monday, December 9, 2019: As I prepare to journey again to California, I share this video of Mom and Dad, Granny and Pappy, Grandmom and Pop. In this video you will see Mom, pregnant with Martine. Their parents come to visit and tour San Francisco. Dad, 21, is stationed in the Navy, about to depart on a months-long tour. Mom, 20, is to be driven back to Alabama to give birth to the child conceived in California. On July 19, 1953 the infant is assigned male at birth and named Martin William Halbrooks. On December 15, 1982, the body of this child is found. It is Martine. Before she takes her last breath, she has changed her name. Martine, Martine, Martine.