A Sunday sentiment on Brotherhood.
Today marks the birthday of one of our most frequent guests, David Boyer.
And, following a nearly 5 year tradition, he spent it up here at Maple surrounded by friends and brothers.
Originally looped in to the land during our opening season full of volunteer days and work trades, Dave began to surface here pretty regularly as equal parts single dad and loyal guest.
As a business, we've been buoyed by the fact that some of you, like Dave, signal your commitment to this community far in advance by snagging up nights here and there. If you're like Dave, you may even snag more than we ever imagined possible.
To us, it says, stay the course.
To him, and you, we say, you are the course.
But beyond partnership as a guest, we see something else in Dave and his steady band of brothers who visit the pools that is worth preaching on his day of birth.
It's a rare, but spreading, culture of brotherhood built on rest, rejuvenation, and reflection. Built on traditions of sharing, venting, crying, and supporting one another in ways that men are simply not taught to do.
In place of competition, there is contemplation. Measuring egos takes a back seat to mending one another's emotions.
Work, life, kids, wins & losses are shared over slow walks, evening meals, and yoga on the lawn.
While most of our guests are groups of women who lean in to vulnerable weekends together, Dave reminds us that men can, and SHOULD, learn and practice the art of brotherhood.
So today, we salute you Dave and your ever constant band of merry men who are working hard to usher in a new era of dads, friends, brothers, & husbands who wear their hearts on their soggy sleeves.
Men out there, grab your besties and get in the pool. Once you do, you'll never look back.