When I started blogging back in January 2007, my life was decidedly different than it is now.
I lived in a different city, in a house I owned. I was married with two dogs, Ryder and Bismarck. (Bismarck would pass away that July.) I did not yet have my dog Seth. (Seth would come into the family that September.)
I still had my wisdom teeth. My sister only had only given birth to two boys. I always, always had Breyer’s Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream in my freezer.
I hadn’t gotten separated or gone through a divorce. I hadn’t moved out of my home, moved in with my parents, then to an apartment in a new, big city.
I wasn’t a member of the Y. I had never run a marathon. I hadn’t competed in a triathlon since I was 11 years old.
I hadn’t been a published author in 9 years. I subscribed to Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware catalogs. I had never met Brian.
Three and a half years may not be a long time in the scope of the universe…
But sometimes, when my motivation to write isn’t there… when I don’t feel like putting my thoughts into words… when I wonder why I blog… if I share too much… if anyone even cares about what I have to say…
I think about how much my life has changed in these years since I started blogging… how different I am… the new things I’ve tried… what I’ve accomplished…
All of it is right here – in words, in photos, in videos – documented by me, for me. To remember, to learn from, to reminisce on, to be inspired by, to appreciate.
But not only for me… for my children someday, too.
For all of this, I am glad.
Many people know about Jon “Blazeman” Blais, especially triathletes and ALS patients and their families. An accomplished triathlete, Blais was diagnosed with ALS at age 33 and went on to compete in the 2005 Ford Ironman World Championship despite the disease ravaging his body. He passed away in 2007.
Known as the “ALS Warrior Poet,” Blais wrote the following words, which resonate to me on so many levels:
Live more than your neighbors. Unleash yourself upon the world and go places. Go now.
Giggle. No, laugh. No… stay out past dark and bark at the moon like the wild dog that you are.
Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal. This is it. Your life.
Face your fears and live your dreams. Take it all in.
Yes, every chance you get. Come close.
And by all means, whatever you do, get it on film.
If you have a box of tissues, watch this clip of an NBC documentary on Blais’ trip to Kona – and get ready to be inspired:
So so true! You’re a hoot, Jane…and I’m thrilled for you – for where you are in your life. Keep living that wonderful life that’s exhilarating!
My Janie… you are the most heart and soul honest person I have ever met in my life, and I thank God every day for sending you to Dad and me. You FEEL life and LOVE and you FEEL sadness and loss and when it pours out in words it HEALS not only you but all around you. Your voice is a universal voice… and that is one great gift. Your sensitivities envelop people and others’ lives and loves and sadnesses and losses and challenges and truiumphs envelop you… only to create great, great strength and sense of it. This is LIFE and you “get it.” Thank you for this beautiful post and beautiful story of The Blazeman. It’s the SHARING. It’s in the SHARING. I love you! xoxox!
I love that you are getting to live those words. I love that you’ve found love, that you’ve found happiness and that you’ve found Jane.
Dear Jane, I am glad for you. You’ve always been a sweet soul, but now your a strong sweet soul. I’m also glad for me, that I’ve had the privilege of knowing you. Your words touch our souls and fill our hearts. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Jane – Thanks for reminding everyone to enjoy the journey, you never know where it will take you … I am just so happy that your journey has allowed you to ‘re-discover’ Jane and to find truly, blissful happiness!! You deserve it. :o) xoxo
Hi Jane! I am always so impressed when I read about you and your mom’s amazing athleticism and determination especially as I struggle to find time to exercise as the busy mom of 2!
My brother, Darrell, is a Ironman and has competed in the Ironman World Championship in Kona twice, the first one being in 2005. I probably saw The Blazeman in the pack of competitors but seeing his story on the televised version of the competition was truly touching. Thanks for sharing this clip with Mom Generations readers. He is truly inspiring!
anddd I am hysterically crying.
This post is beautiful.
It is amazing how much we can grow and change in just a few years. How much can happen, both good and bad, and how we learn from it all.
I am proud of you for going after your dreams- you are an inspiration to me!