The bars were a blast as well and I did become accustom to the Wisconsin pour. Then it was Sunday. The parade Brutus was official photographer. I decided to see if the bear group would let me match with them. They said yes and gave me a "sleepy cap" and a flag to carry . Their theme was "bears in Dreamland, Dreaming for a Better Tomorrow".
I was touched by how friendly they were, but floored by the crowds. Families with kids, supporters, all together cheering us on. It touched me then and even more now. After walking the parade I came back up to watch the rest with the crowd. At the end was the Pride Flag. I had not seen one in person this large, only in pictures. It moved me, I was choked up. I felt pride and unity that I have only felt at Inferno before or with my FD at 9-11. It started that thought again, I need ! No have to give back to the community. Not sure the road but a journey of 1000 miles begins with one step. I contacted Mr. Friendly to see about starting a chapter outreach in Toledo. It starts with a drop, but over time those drops of water can erode the oldest of establishments.
I leave you with this image, not the best maybe for you, but I took it, it was my brothers I meet who opened up to me, it is our pride, it is the start of me.
