We can't all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. Will Rogers (1879-1935) American humorist and actor.

     I just completed Chrissie Wellington's autobiography: "A Life without Limits, a World Champion's Journey."  Chrissie Wellington, in case you don't recognize her name, is the British woman who has won four Hawaii Ironman championships (so far), and has broken multiple world record times.  She is an inspiration.

     She had a chapter in which she covered heroes of the Ironman.  She reminded me of Jon Blais, who I had watched complete the 2005 Ironman in a televised highlights show. Jon was diagnosed with ALS in May of '05, but completed the Hawaii Ironman later that year, a long-held dream.  His doctors had apparently told him he would have to be "rolled over the finish line."  After finishing in 16 1/2 hours (1/2 hour before the cut-off) he lay down on the pavement and rolled across the finish line, in what is now known as "Blazeman-style."  Jon's parents started the Blazeman Foundation for ALS in his name after his death.
     Jon was a teacher of special-needs children.  He called himself the ALS Warrior Poet and wrote this poem, "Westward Bound", as quoted in Chrissie's book and found on his website: http://www.alswarriorpoet.com/index1.html

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.
 

     Jon Blais, we are all still clapping for you.

     To donate, the website for the Blazeman Foundation for ALS can be found at:  http://www.waronals.com/