Memories of Maui
Spring break 2018 is a vacation we will never forget. By complete chance, our family went to Maui the same week as the Bigelows. Our hotels were 15 minutes apart. We could not avoid seeing each other. We spent most of our days together doing what families do in Maui - kayaking, swimming, drinking mai tais. You see, we live in Portland while the Bigelows live in Colorado so this was an amazing opportunity. Our daughters were a tad younger than the Bigelow boys, but those boys never let on, especially Bubba. He was so selfless with his time, helping the girls and showing them that island life. From proudly assuming the role of volunteer lifeguard in the ocean while playing a fish to leading our kayak trip finding all the biggest turtles, he firmly secured a place as the coolest kid we all know. He even spent hours keeping the kids busy after dinners while the adults enjoyed much needed adult time. I feel tremendously lucky to have shared that vacation with Bubba.
I met Vaughn Sr. at Lehigh University. We lived on the same floor freshman year and later pledged the same fraternity. Quickly, we became close friends and I still consider Vaughn to be one of my best friends. I had the honor of being part of his wedding. I played guitar and sang a song for Vaughn and Meg on their special day.
I joined the board of Big Waves the moment I could. I am proud to be involved to help carry on Bubba’s legacy. I’ve seen first hand how much Bubba loved the water. Through Big Waves we can support kids who dream of playing water polo.
Big Waves also plans to make a significant difference bringing attention to gun safety and sensible gun reform. As a victim of gun violence myself, this cause is personal. I lost my brother in 2016, and I know what it feels like to wait for a criminal trial where you may never get answers. Big Waves recently started a program to provide free gun locks with the intention to decrease the number of accidental shootings and unnecessary violence that occurs when a gun is not properly secured. It is with your support and donations that we can continue to provide gun locks to responsible gun owners throughout the country and help protect innocent children.
Written by Brian Hoven, Big Waves Board Member
