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Aloha, Molly.
The emotion from Saturday’s event is beginning to settle. Molly’s paddle-out and Bash was easily the most spiritual event that I’ve ever experienced in my life. I can’t draw an image from that day without my eyes filling with tears. It was beautiful, and the paddle out was such an amazing way to pay tribute to a little girl that brought so much love to so many lives. Meg and I can’t even begin to thank you all enough for helping us celebrate Molly’s life on Saturday. We will never forget you or the love and support that you have provided to my family. Thank you for making the day one that I will remember each day for the rest of my life. You all are so wonderful. Mahalo….

I can’t bring myself to single out the handful of family and close friend’s that really helped make Molly’s event so beautiful because so many people rallied and made the day happen. A community came together, and so many amazing people had a helping hand in making sure that Molly’s birthday was one that we all will remember for the rest of our lives. Please know that Meg and I are so grateful to each of you. Your generosity, volunteering your time and effort into organizing the day, will never be forgotten. Thank you and bless you all.

I have mentioned countless times that Molly’s fight with cancer has impacted so many lives in a positive way. It is so difficult for me to remember that fact because my daughter is no longer alive, but so many people have sent me messages telling me that Molly’s battle has changed their perspective on their own lives for the better. Mine too.

I have spoken with other parents that have lost children. The reality of Molly’s death is still very painful for me, and I can’t wrap my head around the complexity of how her death has totally made me a better person but it has.

I am a better father to Kieran and a better husband to Meg. I love them more, I cherish them more, and I want to live each day in a manner that will allow the love that I have for them to grow stronger.

I am a better friend to my pals. I do not take their friendship for granted, and I love each one of them as they were a member of my family because they all have become very much a part of our family. Molly’s illness and her death has made my love for the ocean very genuine. Surfing is therapy, surfing heals all wounds, and thank God that I have the ability to spend time in the ocean every day if I choose. Molly’s death has taught me not to take anything or anyone for granted. It is difficult not to do so, but I am trying. The messages that Meg and I receive from other parents relay similar information, but the fact of the matter is that, as parents, Molly’s fight has opened our eyes to the reality that life is so very precious. That is a life lesson that I will take to my grave.

Just when you thought the party was over, I am here to tell you that we’re all road tripping it to Portand, ME tomorrow night where we will continue the Molly Bash at Flatbread Pizza. Flatbread is hosting a Molly Fund event in which a percentage of the proceeds from each pizza will benefit the Molly Fund. Thank you, Bobby. Thank you, Sarah, and thank you so much to Johnny and Jay for continuing to support lil’ miss Molly. Todo Bien is going to be throwing down the live music. Skip, Chris, and Salt….I just love you guys with all of my heart. Mahalo.

See ya’ll in Portland.

With love,

Buck

I just got out of the water and there is definitely a little wave beginning to build. Get ready…..

Tomorrow’s swell forecast looks to be a solid 5+ feet at 16 second intervals, so it’s safe to assume that we’ll conduct Molly’s paddle in the little cove, in front of the Fish Shacks, at the north end of the Wall towards the bath house and Cinnamon Rainbows. There will be calm waters in the cove and it’s going to be tame enough for even Molly’s little surf pals to paddle out with us for the ceremony. If plans change, I will post an update tonight.

A FEW CHANGES…….
We are going to have the Molly Bash at Rings Terrace, rain or shine, so the Marston School back-up plan is no longer an option.

Also…you will be able to park on the side of Winnicunnet Rd., which enables you to park a little closer to the street for an easy walk, and the parking lot at Seacoast United is an option for overflow parking so please use that lot if the street is packed. Please feel free to ride your bikes if you live here in town. There will also be porto-toilets! Yea! We are waiting for them to be delivered today….

Everything is falling into place – thank you to everyone who has put so much effort into helping us coordinate Molly’s day – and we’re so stoked for tomorrow!

Cowabunga, Mol!

Buck

Hurricane Bill looks like it’s tracking in our swell window, and we should see some solid waves for the weekend. Swell reports and surf forecaster’s depict that this coming swell may be the best that we’ve seen in the past five years. Thank you, Mol. Daddy needs to get some barrels…..

With that said, we may need to pick an alternative location for Molly’s paddle at 8:00am on Saturday. We need calm waters in order to conduct the ceremony, so we’re thinking that we may gather at the north end of The Wall, close to the bath house, and paddle out in the little boat cove that’s located across the street from Cinnamon Rainbows. We will strategically place people at various spots along the Wall to direct people to the exact location so don’t worry about missing the paddle. If you want to get in a session before the paddle, then I recommend paddling out at first light because we would like to get Molly’s paddle started at 8:00 am and we would love to have everyone join us. I have asked Dave Cropper and Steve O’Hara to bring their rental boards for those folks that need to use a board for the paddle, but please bring your own if you have one on hand.

After Molly’s paddle, everyone is welcome to join us at KB’s Bagels, at the bottom of 7th St. at The Wall, where we will share some “aloha” before scattering for that next session….ha. The big ol’ Molly Bash is from 12:00pm – 4:00pm on our street – Rings Terrace in Hampton. Our street is located off of Winnicunnet Rd and it has been officially closed for the party. Please do not park along Winnicunnet Rd. Our good friends at Seacoast United have given permission for folks to park at the soccer arena, located on Winnicunnet Rd., and it’s an easy .2 mi. walk to our street. Please also park at the Wall (North Beach) and walk or ride your bikes up Winnicunnet Rd. to Rings Terrace. If you live locally, please ride your bikes or walk to the Bash.

Just as a FYI…..We have a backup plan if rain becomes an issue. If we do get rain, and it looks like it will not clear in time for Molly’s Bash, then the party will happen at Marston School which is located off of High St. in Hampton. We will pull the trigger and make that decision on Saturday, but we’re paddling out to honor Molly rain or shine!

A lot of people have asked us what they can bring to the Bash. Many people have donated food, there is going to be beverages on hand, but I suggest maybe bringing some food to share as well as some drinks (community style pot-luck!). Please bring a lawn chair. There is going to be live music thanks to Big Handsome Daddy, Todo Bien, and Kings Highway and there will surely be a ton of kids playing in the yard(s). We can’t wait to celebrate Molly’s life and we certainly can’t wait to share this day with all of ya’ll.

With love,

Buck