It's the thought that counts...

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main."  - John Donne

So a few days ago I won an award, the first trophy I have received since High School, for some musical thing, best tuba solo or something.  The last athletic trophy I received was probably from t-ball, and everyone gets them for t-ball.

So imagine my surprise when I was sitting in a dinner the other night and the Chairman of the Board, Robert "Bear" Bass, announces that the winner of the Chairman's Award for 2008 is me, Canoelover.  Only they spelled my name wrong on the trophy.  I don't know how they got is so far off...Kanulover I could understand, but Darren Bush doesn't even come close.

The Chairman's Award is an annual award given to an individual who exhibits leadership and dedication to the Paddlesports Industry.  This simply means that I dived on more grenades than anyone else this year, and to be honest, some of those grenades were doozies. Fortunately for the crowd, I had lost my voice, so it was the shortest acceptance speech I have ever given, a raspy "Thank you."

So it was nice to be recognized.  It makes me think of all the people I need to recognize for what they do for me in my life, and believe me, it's significant.  Times like this I think of John Donne, the splendid philospher to knew a little bit about islands and bells tolling and such.  Donne knew that as much today as any time in history, we are all interconnected, so to those of you who are my friends, this award is as much for you as it is for me.  You give me strength and allow me to share that with others.

So thanks, you all deserve it.  Good job!

Respectfully submitted,

 Canoelover