I would like to share a wonderful email sent to us from a kind friend we had met on our trip on Dauphin Island on the final days of our journey. Never underestimate your ability to help someone by being yourself, you never know how you can affect someones life:
I find myself traveling home to Georgia from business meetings in Baton Rouge. My sister and I are transported Islanders, grew up in Austin, Sis Cindy lives on a small bit of sand (I too have a place) on Dauphin Island, Alabama and decided to stop by for a day.I went for a 5am swim in the warm waters of the Gulf, and had plans to do absolutely nothing but veg with my sister.
Later that morning, I look out to see two young men in a canoe, challenging the Gulf waves.
I watched as they triumphed several adventures only to be capsized the next.
I watched as they triumphed several adventures only to be capsized the next.
As I sat on my sister's deck overlooking their battles with the waves, I found myself routing for them, armchair coaching, an occasional "lookout" as a wave hit them from the side as I watched them bail before the canoe and the two of them went upside down.
It was not until much later that day, I went to say hello.
One day.
Not knowing just how much a hello can do........
Being a much older (50+), "well to do" seeing two young men, long hair and beards, I could have very easily went the day avoiding any contact with these guys.
One day.
Moments after saying hey, I realized, the canvas holds much more than the picture.
One day, I met Peter, Nolan and their kitten companion Tombigbee. Two of the most genuine, wonderful young men I have ever had the privilege to meet, and their kitten was really cool. It took no time, my sis and I had new friends. As we talked, I learned of their 69 day saga that landed them on the sand at Dauphin Island, off the deck of my sister's house. We spent hours, Cindy and I on bended ear.
One day.
I learned quickly of their adventure, canoeing from North Carolina to the Gulf. Their motivation, to help fund a great cause, a personal issue, to cure diabetes. The great character of these guys came out in each story they shared.
One day.
Sometimes you just get lucky enough to meet someone that reminds you about the important things in life. If you are really lucky, they will have a cool kitten (TB) along as well.
Thank you for that one day.
Dan