Skip to main content

I Used To Love Her

Every now and then professionals take time out to capture things that are important to them. This weekend I did just that. Unfortunately, it was about 17 degrees when I decided to do it, lol. Nevertheless I'd like to share this one with all of you who want to move to the next level with whatever you're planning to do in 2009.

In 1982 I was five years old innocent and untainted. At that age you're incapable of knowing about love or at least the levels of it. One day I was introduced to this thing, this girl, this object. I remember the day I spotted her. She was trimmed in white, highlighted in green and about five hundred people stood around her cheering as she withstood the pressure of the crowd. She was confident and unmoved by the crowds roar.

I remember asking my dad if I could make her a permanent fixture in my life. He said, "only if you're committed". I was pumped because I knew then that I wanted to give her all of me. That was the day I fell in love. In the years that followed she took me everywhere. She paid for my education, she sponsored road trips and she even helped me make some life long friends. She was so powerful she even put me through months of physical therapy after she injured my spinal cord. With all of that my love for her never wavered. Since then I've moved on but we've remained friends. Neither of us have forgotten the wonderful road that we've travelled. I Used To Love Her but now we're just friends...

I thought I'd put a little spin on this blog. For those of you that don't know I'm an ex-football player that suffered a spinal cord injury while I was in college. The point that I've tried to make with this blog is to not be afraid to move forward with your dreams. There will be moments in life when something that you care about gets ripped to shreds; but the flip side is when it happens, life leaves you no other choice but to bounce back. So for the folks that have lost jobs don't lose sight of your dreams. I'm a witness to the miracles of life.

I wish all of you well in 2009. The girl I used to love is below. She's still supporting my dreams today...


My New View.

The Rock.


My Old Friends.


Comments

Anonymous said…
Great blog J, I am leaving a lot of things behind his year. And I used to love her... is a very real title for what has happened. Thanks for being the best in what you do, thank you for honesty, thank you for challenging me this year and most of all thank you for a true friendship!! I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store!!
Anonymous said…
JJ....man you never cease to amaze me. This blog was a very interesting, yet timely one. As we embark upon the new year, many people are embracing changes that they would like to make for 2009. Some of which involves cutting some things as well as some people off. Thanks again for sharing those deep thoughts that go on in your head. Truly it's a blessing to have you as a "Real" friend!!
Anonymous said…
Once again ....your blog has touched my heart....You are so good at what you do and everytime i see your work it makes me grateful for having such a bless man in my life....i'm so happy to call u my friend...2009 has so much in store for u and you family...may God bless and continue to keep yall in perfect peace..luv ya..kim
Olivia Shaw said…
JJ I am always moved by what you write. Thank you for sharing, there is so much more to you than I know and I am loving the fact that I am finding those things out, Love, Oliva

Popular posts from this blog

The Players That You Never Knew

With the opening Friday Night of the 2014 high school football season on the horizon, every barbershop in every small-town in America is probably buzzing with the conversation of who are greatest high school football players of all time.  It's a valid question considering the pool of talent that passes through most small towns.  People often wonder where these guys end up long after their playing days are over.  I've often asked the same question about many of my ex-teammates. Two in particular, Darius Brewnington and Kenny Shaw. If you were an athlete in the early 1990's they were arguably considered two of the most influential athletes in North Carolina's rich high school football history.  Unfortunately, like many other high profile athletes life happens.  However, even with the growing pains of life every man has his day of redemption.  With Darius and Kenny being former teammates of mine I wanted to see for myself who they are 20 years removed fr...

Fences

Several days ago I stopped to talk to one of my neighbors about a vacant private pool property in our neighborhood. We briefly shard our perspectives on the what if's of the property, and the countless possibilities for the local children if it were open. Needless to say many of the residents where we live share the same vision. Ironically days after that conversation, I had the pleasure of witnessing two middle school aged girls jumping the fence to play basketball at the property. Usually I wouldn't think much of this observation but being a father with two daughters, I couldn't help but notice. Especially when they're no trespassing signs posted everywhere.  However, me thinking like a rational adult, I had to quickly remind myself to think like a kid and note that the fence obstacle wasn't going to be the girls end all for getting some shots up.  On the heels of the conversation with my neighbor it was confirmation that we're all on one accord. So, ...

My Why!

Not long ago Sean "P. Diddy" Combs played the leading role in the television movie, " A Raisin in the Sun".  I posted a blog on my myspace page in response to his characters', character.  I talked about his drive and determination to succeed.  It was amazing to watch the movie in 2008 after having read the original screenplay from the 50's.   I'm often asked what is it that motivates me to do what I do besides money.  If you look below at the photos the story tells itself.  Trinity, NC is where I lived until I was about 9 0r 10 years old. Most of the homes there are still like the ones in the photos below.   I took these stills about 5 years ago, I'm glad I did. They are a constant reminder of how important it is to stay humble.  They remind of the importance of a sound education.  They remind me to always respect hard work. They remind me of what strong families can do with little to no resources.  These photos are my moti...