Because my son asked me tonight when I got home, “going paddling?” and was stunned when I said no. Because Erica will still be making race food right up until we’ve gone racing, not to mention putting up with my practice and race schedule. Because all my buddies, paddle or no, have started to hit me up with simple wishes of good luck. Because so many folks have stepped up with support.

Thank you. I’ll find many more ways to show all of you my stoke in the next five days. BT