Duane and Jennie were friends of my aunt and uncle, and they were really cool adults. For starters, they didn’t treat me like a kid, even though I was in 6th or 7th grade. Every morning Duane would leave the little enclave of cottages clustered on the shores of a central Wisconsin lake and head out for a bike ride…and then roll back in several hours later! I was in awe! Then one day he invited me and my nerdy Schwinn Collegiate to join him for a 20 or 30 mile ride. I had no idea such a thing was even possible. Yet, with his help I did it several times! That same summer Duane taught me the basics of sailing his little AMF Minifish sailboat, and even better, gave me permission to take it out any time. Duane was just sharing things he loved with some kid he saw one or two weeks each summer while I visited my aunt and uncle at their cottage. He had no way of knowing what an impact he would have on my life.
Looking back on it now, I can see a direct link from those early days sailing around Fish Lake to my lifelong love affair with sailing, and all water related travel. It took a while, but I’ve owned and enjoyed three different sailboats, plus a number of other water craft. Additionally, a lifetime of cycling…commuting, racing, triathlons, mt biking, touring – including a two month bike tour up the east coast of the U.S. and into the maritime provinces of Canada all can be traced back to those first rides with Duane.
This all came up in a conversation recently. Sharon and I were talking about people who have touched our lives, the possible impact we’ve had on other people, and the realization that it is not always possible to know when, or how, something we say or do may have an impact on someone. Duane’s example certainly highlighted for me the importance of looking for opportunities to “pay forward” some of what others had done for me.
Dan has climbed Rainier more times than I can count, and twice I accompanied him. In 2013 Dan and I made plans to lead a group of good friends – noobs all – to the top of Rainer, and then a year later to Mt. Baker. It is always enjoyable spending time in the mountains with Sharon (of course), Cailie, Rob, Steve, Andrew and Dan. It was huge amounts of fun practicing self-arrest on the slopes of Snowbowl after hours, practicing basic crampon, ice-axe and rope management skills. We spent a great day learning crevasse self-rescue skills while hanging from the top deck of our house. Best of all was seeing this group of friends master new skills, and eventually, succeed in reaching the summit of my favorite mountain, and later, Mt Baker. Paying it forward and seeing the results was more satisfying than getting to the top myself.
This winter, the whole concept of “paying it forward” really hit home in a different way. While there wasn’t a great deal of training or instruction involved, my folks did get me on skis at the tender age of four – or thereabouts. I like to say that I can hardly remember a time when I didn’t know how to ski. I will forever be grateful for that experience. In turn, Sharon and I made sure all three boys were out “shredding the gnar” at the same age. We had huge amounts of fun tackling the massive 150′ vert at Little Switzerland in southern Wisconsin and many other hills over the years. Our daughter-in-law Vanessa was likewise introduced to skiing at a young age. So it follows that our grandson, at 3 1/2 is already enjoying his 3rd – yes, you read that right – his 3rd winter on skis and totally enjoys shredding the gnar! He’s also embraced his parents and grandparents love for all things outdoors.
We definitely tried to share our love for the outdoors with our children, and it is fascinating and fun to see that same passion already taking root in Oliver. Pay it forward indeed.
Today’s takeaway: When you’re thinking about seizing the carp – think about the folks who helped you get to where you’re at, and think about paying it forward to others as well! Its kind of fun! And you never know how you’ll impact others – or the memories you’ll create.
