Sometimes life is rough. Sometimes it seems the water is going to take down the ship. 

Don has had turmoil 

It seems like the uphill battle his daunting. When you are tired and weak it's hard to imagine that you are going to be able to make it the rest of the way.

Don has had the waves crashing in his mind as he has worried about basic things like - wanting to eat and drink - about keeping food down - as well as financial worries. 

No one can help him eat or drink, no one can make him well. 

It would seem he is alone on this journey, going through the dark, raging waters.

however 

Brothers 

Brothers come along side you when you are weak

brothers 

They pull the ropes when you aren't strong enough

brothers 

they bail the water out of the boat

brothers 

they strengthen the ship

Don has a band of brothers. 

There have been so many brothers that have come along side him. There have been so many people that have equipped him for the journey. 

Supplying him with tools and prayers. 

The journey has been particularly  drenching the last couple weeks. 

The water has been coming in from all sides. 

however 

Brothers 

Brothers come along side you when you are weak

brothers 

They pull the ropes when you aren't strong enough

brothers 

they bail the water out of the boat

brothers 

they strengthen the ship

brothers have come along side him and have been shouldering the storm with him. 

Real shouldering .. getting dirty, sacrificing shouldering. Taking on the burdens shouldering. 

brothers 

thank you 

I love the brotherhood but I don't ever want to forget our beloved sisters.

Thank you sisters for your love and faithfulness.