The last 3 years of my life have been awesome. I have a great job, beautiful daughter and supportive and beautiful wife. Sometimes I just sit around and think about how this all happened. How did I change from who I was into who I am? How did I become the ‘workout guy’? How did I walk away from that destructive lifestyle? I’m still trying to figure that out.
On September 24, 2011, I will be the exact same age (to the day) as my mother was when she died. She was 36. Diagnosed with colon cancer at age 34 – she had major surgeries, went through radiation, chemo therapy, had a colostomy bag and was in constant pain. This weekend I went to 2 Tiger games, one with my wife and one with 20+ friends of mine from the gym. We had a blast! At this time in my moms life, she was spending most of her days lying in an adjustable bed in our living room. She couldn’t walk, couldn’t eat. It was horrible. I was 14 and my brother Joel was 8.
My Mom never looked sick before she was diagnosed. There were no warning signs. She was short and petite. One day she didn’t feel good so she went to the Doctor. A few weeks later she was diagnosed with colon cancer.
My mom was great! she loved us as we loved her. When you’re 14 you really have no idea what to expect until it happens.
When she died, I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I was shocked. It was all over – done. I thought she was going to get better!
For the next 15 or so years I didn’t care about much. I liked to have fun and do what I wanted to do. I wanted to make money so I had nice stuff. I wanted to eat what I wanted to eat and didn’t want to do anything that took real effort. I don’t know if this was a result of what happened with my mom. It was just me. I didn’t care. Sometimes I would think about my mom and how she died so young – It would cross my mind that I would live how I wanted to live and if I died young at least I had fun! It scares me to think that I actually had this attitude.
I never knew what I wanted to do with my life after my mom died. Starting CrossFit helped me find my calling. It wasn’t just about the workouts, or the diet, or even the community. (all of those together are essential however) What happened for me was I started chasing after something else and doing something I enjoyed. I started to chase after something that I never really thought I could have – or cared to have – health and happiness. The more time I spent helping others the better I felt. And the happier I was. I can’t describe the feeling when somebody walks up to me and tells me about their accomplishment or reaching some personal goal. This is almost a daily event for me now! I no longer work for a corporation. My income is a fraction of what it used to be and I couldn’t be happier. I do what I do because it makes people better and I like seeing it happen. It’s gratifying and makes happy!
How did all this happen? I have no idea. I miss my mom greatly and she left us way too soon. One thing is for sure though – losing my Mom at the young age of 36 taught me to appreciate what I have. Even though I didn’t realize it until I turned 36.
Thanks Mom.
Your mom would be proud of you JD!! Keep on changing lives!!!
I always love what you write JD. Your mom is so proud!
For the record….i am one of those lives that you changed. I am indebted. Your mother would be so proud.
Your impact on people’s lives reaches far beyond the athletes at the box. Each one of us spreads the word on CrossFit and excellent nutrition to those around us….and this is due to you! You are lucky enough to lead each of us through Intros…so we love to run to YOU first with our success. You see us walk through that door the first time and see us improve month to month. It must be a very fulfilling job. Be very proud of the positive changes you make in all of us…we all know your mom is!
Man! Thanks guys!
When I brought up the site I was in the middle of doing three different things. Just a paragraph in and I stopped everything else to finish reading what you had to say JD. Thank you for sharing such a personal story! I agree with everyone that your mother would be very, very proud!
JD, you have a great way with words because they are sincere and heart-felt. This is a good answer to “What is CrossFit?” or just good motivation for healthy life changes in general. Thanks for helping me make some of those changes.
You write some great stuff J.D.; always from the heart and well spoken. MCCF wouldn’t be the same without you for sure. Thanks for all your hard work and for changing your life so that we could all change ours.
Wow JD…your mom would be very proud of you and for the person you are today. Thank you for sharing and thanks for all that you preach 🙂
It’s been way too long since i’ve gone to the site and saw a post from you! Your words are truly inspiring because they are from the heart. Thank you for your commitment to helping us improve our lives and to the principle of CrossFit in general! It goes without saying that your mom would be extremely proud of you. When I think of the legacy your mom left, it reminds me of a quote, from a chiropractor of course.
“You may never know how far-reaching something you may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.”
~ BJ Palmer
JD. You truly are an inspiration to me and I’m certain to many others. Reading your story makes me even more inspired to continue to make healthy changes in my life. Thank you for all of your guidance and working with Kat and I. We are so glad to have found Xfit and even more happy to have met so many great people at the box. Especially you brother. Keep on pushing yourself and all of us will do the same.
PS your mother would be extremely proud of you and all that you have done.
What a great ariticle, JD. I’m certain your mom would be bursting with pride – you are an inspiration!
Wow…thanks for sharing and for continuing to be an inspiration to us all! I love the positive energy you bring and always appreciate your guidance and words of wisdom. Thanks for all your hard work & honesty!!!
You have a brother?
Had no idea about your moms untimely passing. I couldn’t even imagine losing a parent at 14……You live what you preach though, that’s what makes you a great man in my book. You’re in the right place in life..there is no doubt about that.
JD, I love that you state “Sometimes I just sit around and think about how this all happened….I’m still trying to figure it out.” To sit around in wonder of where you have arrived, of how happy and fulfilled you are by what you do for a career and as a lifestyle…what a truly fantastic feeling! Thanks for sharing yet another GREAT read!