Gratitude

I am currently staying in my hometown in Southern California, with a long time friend who is friends with Tony Hawk’s mom. Everyone knows who Tony Hawk is. In my teen years he was a cult figure around town, mainly for the fact that he was one of the only high school guys we knew that had a backyard ramp. It was huge, and his legend was already growing in a time when the only bowl action we could get was when we could find waterless swimming pools and our parents thought we were crazy for the hours we spent on four wheels...but I digress...

This friend put Tony Hawk’s latest book, "How Did I Get Here?" in my hand, knowing that I was blogging about skateboarding and such. At first, I didn’t think I had any time to read for fun, but of course, the words sucked me in. Besides being a well written book about pioneering a sport that didn’t actually exist, his acknowledgements section, in particular, struck me. There are over 370 people that Tony shows appreciation for. That’s a lot of people, and a lot of gratitude.

While it is wonderful that Tony appreciates so many people, it is not surprising that there are so many people to thank. The world of a bowl rider, from beginning to expert is a collaborative world. With each trick, there is someone out there that does a piece of it a little better, has perfected the move, or has had failures that can inform your efforts. There is a constant observation, practice, questioning, more practice and assimilation that takes place every time a kid gets on a board or a bike. Each time another rider gets in the bowl, there is something to be learned, if you only take the time to pay attention.  This process is extremely useful outside the bowl, too, as those that can observe, assimilate, and put into practice different experiences will be able to roll with the punches and have long term success.

So thanks, Tony, not only for acknowledging those who have helped along your way, but also for showing us what gratitude can look like when you’re all grown up, and still at the bowl.