Moving Forward in 2009

The best New Year’s Day in recent memory started with an uncharacteristic quick jump out of a warm bed. Huh, usually not that excited to go boat class II water early in the morning when it’s raining on snow. Today was different because it wasn’t about me, or ORT, it was about giving back. I joined the Navy as a 20 year old with something to prove 20 years ago. I had seen enough movies and read enough books to know that patriotism, while prideful can still be honorable, and that I was no better than the thousands that went down so that we may choose.

We stood around on the snow in the rain for two hours on the bank of the Sandy River while waiting for our passengers to arrive and get dressed. I was thankful to have feet that could get cold. The next 2 hours were spent crashing through surging waves as the river steadily rose (the put in beach was underwater just a few hours after launching). Everyone paddled well, just another good crew smiling and embracing the physical and spiritual power of whitewater. For a few hours we were all whole and unconcerned.

We then enjoyed a barbeque while huddling beneath the shelter at the campground. The members of our river community present symbolized resiliency, moving forward, enjoying the hear and now, accepting what is. God Bless America and our vets.

Tim