"i'll never take it for granted or forget how we grew together over four years of sweat and how we came to know each other the way people seldom do. These are some of the greatest moments of our lives. We may not see it yet, we may not even know it, but i think that we will look back as withered and elderly upon these times as some of the most profound of our lives. And if i don't, that's even better, because it would take a hell of a life to cloud over the shining, glistening days of collegiate cross country." -Running with the Buffalos.
The world lost one of its' biggest, larger than life spirits this past friday. "The Doc" Long, as we knew him, left us tragically doing what he loved - flying airplanes. I read about this story and a few hours later would find out this was one of my former teammates. A fixture on the team, in the vans to workouts, on track, and on the long runs. Jason is seen in photos from our various parties with his pants pulled down or grins ear to ear.
I share this because in addition to being an exceptional human and athlete, (a sub-4 minute miler); he literally embodied the overused phrase of "living life to the fullest", running professionally then onto the next dream of getting his pilots license and flying planes. This person exerted a gigantic, tangible energy, and as one wrote on his facebook wall, "a level of integrity and a love of people" that was unmatched. Having known him only a short time, he made magnificent impressions wherever he went and whomever he encountered. Though i cannot imagine the pain his loved ones and closest friends are feeling; he is a reminder to me of the true and honest zest we should all be injecting into our days. i am taking this with me into 2011.
To blue skies, Doc.
Blessed to have crossed paths with you.
cw
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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wow. he sounds amazing and it is wonderful that he left such an impact on you and so many others, to truly live life to its fullest. just as we have said before, some people just shine so bright in this life and we are so blessed to know them.
ReplyDeletehave you heard of or read the book "unbroken" yet? i am reading it right now and it is amazing. when i read your post today it made me think of this book. i am only about 100 pages into it, but you need to go get it and read it. it's about olympic runner louie zamperini, who was predicted to be the first to break the 4 minute mile but the 1944 olympics were canceled and he was enlisted in WWII. he flew on a crazy plane and the story is truly incredible...it is written by laura hillenbrand who is an incredible author (seabiscuit) and person also happening to fight chronic fatigue. anyway blah blah blah i could go on and on but i hope you will check out this book. happy new year!!! xxoo
Thanks Jessica - there have been all sorts of photos and memories conjured up on facebook - this guy so shined, like you said. as for unbroken, i just heard about it - a friend got 2 copies for xmas and is loaning me one, i am pumped to read it, what a story - so cool it's finally being told.
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