My Dharma Voyage Story

On March 1, 2019, I underwent open brain surgery to repair a cerebral aneurysm that had ruptured and nearly killed me 12 years previously. I was very fortunate to have survived the first incident with only minor deficits and was hoping that the second operation would be as successful. It was. Two months after surgery I was on the Westport River rowing with DV.  A month after that I was a member of the DV race team. I was hooked. Rowing has given me a new appreciation for my own strength and resilience - My first race in blustery Gloucester Harbor taught me I was stronger than I thought I was. Rowing’s given me a vantage point to take in our beautiful natural surroundings - Getting a close-up view of an eagle gliding over the placid early morning river. Rowing’s given me camaraderie and esprit de corps -  From synchronization in the boat to all hands boat maintenance to celebratory rower gatherings at The Westporter. And perhaps most of all, rowing’s given me a sense of renewal. Keeping fit – mindfully, physically, and spiritually – has been a true gift. I can’t wait to get back to it. I thank DV and its members for this enormous Westport asset.