A Year Like No Other…
Reflecting on 2020 really isn't much fun for anyone. Although it is a number, 2020 feels like a four-letter word. It makes us think in terms like COVID, remote learning, presidential election, masks, social distancing, and outdoor seating! Like most people, there have been highs, lows, and everything in between.
Looking back, our family has had a really good year in relative terms. It would be easy to say it was terrible, but we are here, we are together, and we have a path forward. All else is material and can be done or replaced in the future. Knowing that others have experienced the loss of loved ones due to the pandemic or other reasons reminds me that canceling our spring break trip was a joke in relative terms.
Another theme of 2020 was "no" or "you can't". I feel like we said "no" or "you can't" to the boys more than ever this year because of the pandemic. On the contrary, the Big Waves team did an amazing job of pushing forward during these unprecedented times and did not accept "no" or "you can't". We didn't quite reach all of our goals, but we DID fulfill our mission by promoting both age group and high school water polo with free clinics, equipment purchase, and secondary education assistance through scholarships. And WE ARE promoting safe gun storage and education. We have mailed out 100's of complimentary gun locks all across Colorado and the US. To move the needle as a 100% volunteer-based organization is simply amazing and it is only the start!
As 2020 comes to a close, we all must face the reality that 2021 will start in a similar fashion.. BUT...this too will pass. The sun will rise and set every day to remind us that time goes on and that we all have the opportunity to make our communities better. Big Waves will continue to expand its efforts to promote water polo and positive mental health in our community as well as our gun safety and education endeavors.
There hasn't been a day in 2020, or a day since June 14th 2018 for that matter, in which I haven't thought about Vaughn Jr. This is an especially tough time of year for those who have lost loved ones. It is easy to get mad and start saying "what if, what if, what if". Unfortunately, "what if" cannot fix the past BUT it can be used in the future. I encourage all who have the means and the courage to latch on to something that is important to you and make your corner of the world better.
For me, it's WHAT IF I can help kids maintain or improve their mental health and wellbeing through water polo, WHAT IF I can ease one student's college loan debt, or WHAT IF I can keep a child from stumbling across a loaded gun in their parents closet as they look for holiday presents... Just one life saved will make every minute spent 100% worth it.
Thank you to all who have participated in fundraising and supported the blood drives, Bubba's memorial birthday, golf outing, 5K fun run, toy drive, water polo clinics, etc!
A huge shout out to all of the volunteers including the Board members of Big Waves. They are all amazing people and have shown me that taking up a cause isn't just about your personal situation or resolve, it is about friendship, community, and passion. They have helped me grow and pushed me out of my comfort zone. I look forward to culturing friendships, building community, and being "uncomfortable" in 2021.
Vaughn Bigelow
Co-Founder/President
Big Waves Inc.
