This past weekend I got to be a part of a Washington Rowing Birthday event.

There were seven of us and five were teammates at UW and another was on the national team for a couple years with various team members. 

I’ve done a few rowing events with these awesome women and was thrilled to get be a part of this weekend and a non-rowing experience!

These women are an amazing example of team, collaboration, and staying connected.

Yes, this was a significant birthday year for most of the women. (I will say all younger than me! – but a big year).

There’s was cake and incredible food, joy, laughter.  For sure there were many moments of rowing shared.  However, beyond the experience on the water these women have lived and engaged in amazing careers, lives, and support of community and collaboration.

Maybe it’s because rowing is truly a sport that just doesn’t have much room for ego.

Once you are in the boat, you are a team.  There is NO superstar.  Truth is, the boat does much worse if someone tries to be the rockstar. 

Throughout the weekend we hiked a lot, and you could still see the rowing influence.   These women were in pairs (or fours) for every hike, game, or meal – talking, sharing, and laughing.

Me – I loved listening.  Letting the laughter and stories wash over me.  Never once did I feel excluded. 

There were deeper moments of sharing.  Not all of life’s adventures are easy or without challenge.  Raising kids, dealing with aging parents, careers and health challenges do make for variations, differences, and pain points that take time and connection to heal.

I will say there is no lack of work ethic in a group of rowers.  Cooking, cleaning, carrying the load for picnics and treats was handled with ease and grace.  Dividing the cost and making sure meals, wine, dessert and party materials were in place happened almost magically.

I have experienced that type of connection over the years through The Haven with people whom I have shared tears, laughter, and deep conversations.

I was reminded of those connections. 

Sometimes in the workplace or in community those types of connections are harder to find and stick with over time.  Covid and politics these days make it even harder.

Yet connections that run deep are what sustain us.  It’s not money.  It’s not winning (though these women did win a lot), it’s not even safety.  I believe it’s knowing you are not alone, and that time and space can, and will, drop away when there’s friendship and intimacy below that surface.

That’s what I saw, heard and felt with these women.  It was special.