Remembering Axel - A Tribute

Love Fiercely.

It is with a heavy heart that I sit down to write this mid-week post.

Almost two weeks ago, one of our own, a devoted mother, lover of mother nature and single track trails and beaches and all things bikes, Jen of VeloMom and her husband Randy were told the unthinkable. Their youngest boy was tragically killed.

I have been following Jen and her family's incredible journey since September of last year when they set out across the country with their two kids, travelling from coast to coast and then down south to Mexico. They were living their ultimate dream, their Big Adventure. Travelling, working, exploring and loving life, I lived vicariously, listened intently and admired them deeply.

Live Boldly.

I have never had the pleasure of meeting Jen or her family, but they are my brothers and sisters. The memory of their son lives on in each of us; in every wave that breaks on the shore, in every leaf tickled by the afternoon breeze, in every breathtaking vista we look out upon, we remember you Axel.

Go out today and do something for someone you love; Make their heart sing, make their eyes sparkle, let them know, without a doubt, that you love them.

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If you would like to send a donation, the Charrette Family has set up a Fund that will be used to continue Axel's passion for bike-riding by providing bikes to kids who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford one. You may send checks to:

The Axel Charrette Fund

Alpine Bank

119 Liddell Drive

Ridgway, CO 81432

This post was written in concert with my Outdoor Colleagues, in honor of Axel's memorial service today.

Read my colleague's tributes to Axel here:

Tales of a Mountain Mama

Brave Ski Mom

Kid Project

Big Grey Rocks

Cragmama

Bring The Kids

Mile High Mama

Nature For Kids

Do things that inspire you. Every day. As if...

I'm at a loss for words. I have been avoiding this blog all week and now Sunday evening is upon me and my fingers are resisting, my mind is tired.

I was scheduled to write about our new camping gear for the upcoming camping season, but I can't bring myself to think of anything much other than a mother who is sitting in her home, rocking her infant daughter and mourning the loss of the love of her life.

On Monday, I learned that a friend lost her partner and father to their beautiful 9 month old baby girl, in a tragic traffic accident. I just can't seem to shake the thought of how in the split of a second, the topography of life as you know it can be transformed forever.

My heart aches for her and simultaneously it is racing out of my chest, for I can't stop my mind from wandering to the what ifs. Since becoming a mother, I have become acutely aware of my mortality and I try my best to reign in my psychotic trysts down that dark, scary road as best I can. Usually with a good amount of success.

I have done a lot of cleaning this week. It's cathartic. I have held my baby tighter and od'd on the smell of her tangerine-flavored neck and stayed up late into the night seeking solace, support and comfort in my husband's voice and yet this heaviness still lingers. I know it will lift. I know my friend, with time and the support of all of her loved ones, will heal. I know. I guess I just needed to share. I wanted to remind you to hold your husband's hand and kiss your baby's pinky and laugh with your mom and do things that inspire you. Every day. As if..