With only about 69 nautical miles left to the finish line, Team Wadadli is almost home and so eager are they to complete the journey, that the word is that they will be making a push through the night and arrive here in the morning. Their arrival culminates a journey that was fraught with many challenges and by now, I am sure that the members have not only lost weight but patience with being restricted for such an extended period of time as well.
There is no doubt that there are many who see the international publicity surrounding the event and are tempted to participate in a subsequent edition; but be warned, the challenges faced are not for the faint of heart. While the out of season hurricane might have received the most publicity, it was the smaller seemingly insignificant events that a rowing trip across had presented that would have impacted the rowers as they sought to complete the journey. Nothing could have prepared them for the challenges of being confined to close quarters for nearly two months and loosing the opportunity to clear one’s mind that solitude affords. No doubt that there were disagreements which could have added to the challenges already being faced. The sleep deprivation that had to be endured as well as experiencing the discomfort of rashes that were constantly being wet as well as the inability to engage in the usual daily physical activities, should not be book-ended as just a part of the challenge.
The men are not the only ones for whom this has been a challenge; family members and close friends are also ready for their loved ones to come home so that their presence can be enjoyed. Even though they beam with pride whenever they are asked about the well-being of the intrepid rowers from Team Wadadli, it is also evident that they are worrying about their loved ones. “We just want them home” admits one relative, “it’s nice to hear how much people admire them and the good they are doing but in the end there is nothing like having them home.”
One person jokingly said it was probably be best that they stay out longer so that the St. John Hospice could raise a bit more in donations, and although there appears to be some logic I also concur with the relatives. Anything else would be selfish. It is now time for those who followed from the comfort of home as well as others who no doubt will attempt to ride the euphoria surrounding the team’s return for the marketing opportunities to remember the reason why the four embarked on this row. Even though the hospice has raised over one-hundred thousand dollars it a non-profit organization and will still be in need continued support in the future.
I therefore encourage my fellow countrymen and women not to wait on an event that has glitz and glamour to think about donating to a charitable cause. The need is always constant so even a dollar every now and then will suffice. In this case, the old saying ‘one-one full basket’ is most apt.