Re: [Paddlewise] Ego's

 At 11/12/2000 01:50 AM -0800, Doug Lloyd wrote:

  It is a bit of an ambiguous issue, anyway. But, I did want my friends
  and enemies on PW
  to at least understand some of the struggles I've been working
  through
  lately. I can only trust some of you had the grace and patience to
  bear
  with this post. If not, that is okay too. I harbor no disrespect or
  ill-will. You ladies and men are a fine community of helpful
  paddlers. I
  just want to take a bit more of the "I" out of it. At least "real"
  paddling can still do that.

  BC'in Ya
  Doug Lloyd ("Love thyself last" -W.S.)


Thanks Doug, the time spent reading was thought provoking and worth the
journey. 

The sea is no respecter of person or a person's:  Paddling Experience,
Equipment, Financial Standing, ..............         
We all require the same basic elements for survival in this world to
include relationships with others.  "I" certainly agree that the more
that we can put "I" aside the more we will be able to respond to the
needs of those around us - to include this community of paddlers.   I
view life from a decidedly Christian perspective and quote a universal
truth:  "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for
his friends."  John 15:13

I know that Doug, Duane and many others like myself that participate
and/or read in amusement or awe the postings on PaddleWise enjoy and
benefit from the dialogue, friendships and the community.  Where else
could we interact with other Paddlers in such a forum on a daily basis? 
I don't know if any.

Below is an email that relates to Paddlewise and this discussion.  This
was sent a month ago to a church group of men (Promise Keepers) that I
belong to: 
                                                                            

Subject:  Alone

This evening I went for a paddle out of Dana Point after starting my job
search today.  Dark - 68 degrees and a stiff breeze of 10 knots and three
foot swells with one foot wind waves from the south and a beautiful
crescent moon.  As I headed back into Dana Point it was dark, but a faint
glow showed the break wall distinctly silhouetted with hundreds of
pelicans resting on its' top.  I was alone in their world, just passing
through.

The wind was picking up as forecast creating swirls and ripples on the
crest of the swells as the bow of my kayak broke free throwing spray over
the deck.  I thought of all of us going through life's daily storms and
how much I appreciate the companionship of Saturday mornings and
realizing that we are not really alone as we plunge head first into the
next wave.  

Life can be like the sea: dark and ominous or full of wonder - our
choice!

We are Blessed !   We have the Lord, our Families and Our Friends.

Fred Thomas
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