My recent flights from Portland to Atlanta and on to Alabama afforded ample time to think.
It was a case of two planes, no trains, and one automobile. Twelve exhausting hours.
Here are my coffee-stimulated, waiting room, intercom inspired thoughts.
“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.” –African proverb.
A few years ago, I joined the Wasabi Warriors and learned to paddle dragon boats.
The sport was physically hard and it was cold on the Willamette River.
As a newbie, I was assigned to the last bench in the practice boat.
I was on the team in name only.
I was out of my league but I persevered.
Many nights after practice I drove home wet and stinking from the river.
Starving, I would stop at Zupan’s for chicken and coffee from their deli.
Good Job, Greer!
I was thrilled when the coach finally moved me up a row and invited me to compete at the next meet!
Driving home home wet and stinking as always, I was glowing with excitement.
Here was something I had been working toward for months!
A feeling of sadness came over me as I sat in the dark parking lot eating my makeshift dinner.
There was no one who could savor my accomplishment with me.
My husband would have hugged me and said, “Good job!”
He would have listened to my stories about the other team members and the ins and outs of practice.
He would have been there for me.
Now, I was alone.
Fast forward a few years.
Learning to paddle a dragon boat was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
It was a new sport. I was cold and miserable most of the time on the river.
Building a life after my husband’s death was the hardest.
I did it. Not perfectly. Not over night. I did it.
I am still working on it.
Lori Greer in Portland 
You are a truly brave and determined woman – an inspiration to all of us to learn, to try, and to find our own fulfilment.
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You’re so inspiring, Lori! Trying new things, traveling… and it must still be so painful, missing your husband. I’ve never heard of paddling dragon boats. I’m picturing a long, skinny boat, like a canoe. Is that right? With a dragon head at the front maybe? I’m going to google it. 🙂 And yes… great job!! xx
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Thank you! Yes, the boats are colorful with dragon heads at the front. For practice, we use long skinny boats. Thank you so much for sharing your kind comments. Hugs!
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My pleasure! Hugs right back 🙂
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Great job! Trying new things, especially on our own, can be scary, exciting, and so much more. Kudos to you for trying!
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Such an inspiring post! I’m sorry for your sorrow but your strength is definitely shining through. My Aunt now knows your sorrow. I saw her sadness and month by month, I see her moving forward alone but the strength of an army. I’m sure she doesn’t always show all her sadness but she is admired, much like you! THANK YOU! 😀
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A positive attitude goes a long way towards getting back on track even if it’s in a new direction.
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I saw something just the other night about those paddle dragon boats! I was thinking, how in the world do they stay in sync…and if you foul up…do they toss you out? LOLOL
It actually sounds like fun. You’ll perfect it in no time, I’m sure. 🙂
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Keep up the good work, Lori. You’re strength and unfailing grasp on hope for the future is inspiring. Plus, the dragon boats sound like a great idea!
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Hi Kim, Thanks for reading and commenting. Dragon boat competitions were completely out of my element…but a fun, competitive team sport.
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You are doing great, those first steps are the biggest and everything seems strange, but we slowly become use to being alone and set our own routines and ways, life is all about what we make it, and i think you are doing a great job be proud always, lots of love take care
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I love the weave of this fabric
Great post
As always Sheldon
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Thank you Sheldon for your kind words. I hope all is well with you!
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Good job, Greer!
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I have such admiration for you Lori. It would be so easy to give up, especially on cold, wet, skinking nights. But you persevere!
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Even if only thru memories, your husband seems to encourage you to move forward and challenge your body and mind.. I imagine he was a very loving and inspiring man and most likely brought out the best in you..
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