Jack Clarkson

Have you ever known that your time with someone is limited?  When you hug them you hesitate just the slightest bit in letting go because you know in your heart your paths are going to move in different directions. 

*A very special final meeting with Jack

I knew that the 2011 J. Clarkson Memorial Triathlon would most likely be the last time [on this earth] that I saw Janet's dad, Jack. The 2011 race would be the last time the race would be held. I dedicated my life to that race for an entire year because I knew how special of a time, for a variety of reasons, the last triathlon would be.

Imagine for a second if you will what it feels like to think about something everyday for a year.  Think about how it feels to hold something so tightly that it motivates, humbles, and focuses your every thought and action.  What I experienced in my preparations for the last adventure with the Clarksons was nothing short of the most dedicated, motivated, and rewarding experience I have ever had.  It took a lot to train that long and that hard, but every second was worth it when I saw how happy the Clarksons and my family were on race day.  I would consider the sacrifices, preparations, and the 2011 race the greatest triathlon accomplishment of my life.  It's very special to me and a lot of people

*The Clarksons were so proud of me

Jack was a wonderful man, he always tried to get the best out the people he knew.  I appreciated this quality when Jack would tell me, "I went out of my way to invite some competition for you."  He knew I had it in me to raise my performance level.  One of the most heart warming things that Shigeko (Janet's mom) said to me was that Jack loved me like a grandson.  This stuff is bigger than triathlon, of which I am thankful to be part of.  So many people in life fail to make the most of what they have and they let things slip past without seizing the moment.  There are only so many of those moments.

*Pic taken after the win in 2011, the final one.

*Shigeko was the first person after the race to give me a hug

Sometimes in life the hardest part of loving someone is letting them go when it's their time to go.  That's a very hard feeling to have, recognize, and work through.  I have, as I'm sure everyone has, experienced that feeling with both both love and loss.  It's hard to say goodbye to a special relationship (I have been there) it's a very hard thing to do.  It's also just as hard to let go of someone when it's their time to pass away to the next world. I am convinced the most "pain" comes not from physical suffering, but from love and loss.

Jack's final wish was to make the long trip to Janet's final resting place.  Jack mounted all his strength for the journey, on the 10th anniversary of Janet's passing, Jack made his destination.  Five days later (10 years and 5 days after Janet's passing) Jack left this world.  While everyone who knows him has a heavy heart, his spirit uplifts all those who he touched.  Jack and Janet's spirit lives on through us all who have strong bodies.

*Sometimes you just have to let go.

May Jack and Janet both rest in peace, they have inspired many people, me in particular, to make the most of what we have.  We are all better off having known Jack.