On the most difficult day, I woke to the news that my only son was killed in Afghanistan. He was due home in just 2 weeks. I already had his birthday present, planned to go to a baseball game like old times, cook his favorite foods, joke and tease and make up for lost time, but in the blink of an eye, we lost him. The denial and shock were crippling.
My first rational thought was, “Who will remember him when I’m gone”? He was just 21 with no children, and the notion that he might be forgotten brought an anxiety that I can’t articulate. Our family was grief-stricken and we learned in one moment what Memorial Day is truly about.
Jake was a Christian, a comedian, an athlete, a huge dog lover, an artist and the best son and friend.
I genuinely hope you all enjoy your long weekend, and if you don’t have a hero to remember, please remember mine. This is all we can do for him now.
If prompted to do so, please share him with the world. It would be a gift.
PFC Jacob H Wykstra
KIA May 28, 2014
Maruf, Afghanistan
He is forever loved and missed ♥️🇺🇸
You might have heard me talking about “Jeffing” lately.
But do you know what it actually is? ☺️
If you don’t see yourself as a “runner” or you’re a complete beginner, Jeffing might be exactly what you need 🙌
Here’s a beginner’s guide to Jeffing https://t.co/zvVZKBJH6Q
This is Dot. She has vitiligo, a rare genetic condition that causes skin and fur to lose pigment over time. Her transformation started just before her 3rd birthday, and by her 6th birthday she was completely white. Fortunately, vitiligo does not pose health risks to dogs, and Dot pulls off her unique new look wonderfully. 14/10
An important message for anyone who wants to start running 🙌
*Why Running Is for Everyone (Even If You’re Slow)*
Let me tell you something that I wish more people heard when they first start running: you don’t have to be fast to be a runner.
Running is for everyone. All ages. All shapes. All abilities.
Whether you’re running your first minute without stopping, doing a walk-run (Jeffing), or just building up confidence to get out the front door — YOU ARE A RUNNER!
When I go out for a run, I don’t care about my pace or my time. I care about how it makes me feel. That energy after you move your body, the fresh air in your lungs, the sense of accomplishment.
You can’t measure these feelings on a smart watch.
I’ve spoken to people who’ve run marathons and still don’t see themselves as “real runners” because they were at the back of the pack.
I just did the London Marathon a few weeks ago and I jeffed the whole way and it took me 6-hours. For those of you that don’t know “Jeffing” is a method where you alternate between running and walking at set intervals. For example, you run 3 minutes / walk 1 minute, or run 60 seconds / walk 30 seconds. I had the most amazing day ever and I was so proud to collect my medal.
It’s easy to compare ourselves to others on social media or get caught up in the numbers, but the truth is, there’s no perfect pace. Your run is YOUR run. It’s not about being the fastest. It’s about showing up, for yourself.
So if you’re thinking about giving running a go, or you’ve started but feel a bit self-conscious — this is your reminder: you are a runner. You don’t have to be fast. You just have to start.
So lace up, get out there, and remember: slow runners are still runners.
Love, Joe x
Wine bottles with cats on the label have average median prices and ratings; those with pigs have lower prices and ratings; but your best bet is fish: these wines are below the average price and above the average rating. (h/t @puddingviz)
Earlier this month, 300 residents of Chelsea, Michigan (pop. 5,300) helped a local bookstore move to a new location a block away: they formed a human chain and in two hours passed one by one all of its 9,000 books and put them on the new shelves in alphabetical order.