Twenty years ago Tavis, Sabina and I were thrust into something uncomfortable.  Attention when we didn't want it.  A whole new tribe of crazy uncles who partied, loved and paddled way too hard.  He and I stood together on the Betcher's pier on Santa Rosa in front of maybe 35 men who would turn into family.   

I asked of them two things:   Help me raise Tavis and Sabina,,.,and add color to Ellen's paint palette - her circumstance drew the color from her but this bunch of brothers and their families might bring back her blues and brights and lavenders.   

And they did.  With passion and verve and joy.   

Tavis and I have paddled ever since, and we paddle again.  We paddle for Scott and his lovely family because the TFP said they are worthy - that's all we need to know.  The Friendship Paddle band is more than a group, more than a community....it's an ecosystem - and we are proud to serve when called upon.

This means the discomfort of asking for money.   I hope you feel as I do though - discomfort comes with the turf when you are doing something important.  You as part of the TFP ecosystem, you are essential, the most important part of this wicked and noble and heartbreaking endeavor.   You are why it works.   

That is something to be proud of, don't you think?

Thanks for sharing this with us.   We pull together.