I'm so incredably touched by Julie's passing. I would say sad, but that doesn't encompass the entirity of my feelings. Yes, I am sad. Sad for her friends and family and sad for us, the BFL community that looked up to her so much. We are all missing her and the inspiration that she provided. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she was a candle in a dark place. That she gave us an example of not only how to live our lives but to do it with purpose. An example of giving our all. And an example of how petty most of our excuses are when we fail to take care of ourselves. When you looked at Julie you realized that things like "I'm too tired" and "I can't" didn't belong in your vocabulary. I miss her shining example already and I'm horribly dissapointed that I didn't follow it more regularly.

But for her I am joyful. There is no doubt in my mind that she's in a better place. She's getting her reward. She sits in heaven now.

And what of those us left behind? I can think of no better way to honor Julie then to simply follow her example. To be the best me I'm capable of being. To throw all my petty excuses out the window and do what I know I need to do.

At the Help Julie Whitt website there is a call to honor Julie and dedicate your next challenge to her. It was a plan I had even before reading their call, but I'm even more determined now.

Lastly I wanted to make sure to thank each and every one of you. You're friendship, suport and inspiration is invaluable to me, and as rocky as my road has been, I wouldn't have made it this far without you.