Enjoying the Journey

Janae's family pumpkin--over 110 pounds!


This is my friend Janae's pumpkin. 

 It doesn't have a name, but I felt that it should. So on my walk one day I added eyeballs to it--with hopes that they would give it a name.

 But no such luck (come on Janae!).

 Anyway, my point.

 Each year Janae's family has a competition with their cousins to see who can grow the largest pumpkin. And this year Janae's family pumpkin weighed in at a little over 110lbs. 

 One-hundred and ten pounds!

What in the crap?

 Now, I haven't heard what the other family members' pumpkins weighed, but I have to tell you, it has been a complete crack-up to see it growing in their front yard.

I wanted to share this idea because I think it is SO COOL! And because it SO reflects Janae's (and her family's) attitude toward life.

 Her family really does make the most of each day. They celebrate holidays--and really, "regular days"--in meaningful ways. Her motto is "Enjoy the Journey" (also the name of her blog). 

 I have learned so much from Janae (she lives 4 doors down)--and her approach to life.

 I know a lot of us appreciate life, but I think it is a different thing to ENJOY it--especially when things are not always perfect.

 Or when times are hard.

 Without sharing too much of Janae's story (without her permission, ahem) ... Janae is

 a landscape architect,
a plant-lover,
a runner, 
a wife, 
a mom of three kiddos,
a daughter,
a sister,
a "granola"
(she likes to make smoothies with beets, for blank sakes!),
a party-thrower,
humble,
generous,
spends most of her time thinking of ways to support others,
a reader,
and a great friend. 

 And about 6+ years ago, she was diagnosed with ALS--while in her early 30s.

 In all honesty, there isn't anything in life that I have seen that is more difficult than coping with ALS. 

 And yet, you really wouldn't know that from spending time with Janae, her husband, her children, or her extended family. In 6+ years, I have NEVER--and I mean NEVER--heard them complain about their experiences.

 They are the strongest people I know. (Also the most stubborn. LOL! That's the truth Janae. You know it. LOL!)

 I know Janae doesn't really like to call attention to herself, but I feel so compelled to share her experiences. She has become a sister to me. And her family has become a family to our family. The time we spend together changes our lives.

 And hopefully, if I can get her to give me permission (Hint hint Janae.), I can share more here about all she teaches me as she battles ALS and continues to find/create JOY in the JOURNEY.

 Much love Janae.

 Psst: NICE squash! (A pumpkin is a squash, right?)

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