Nicki’s Grandpa died about 20 minutes ago. He has been battling prostate cancer for the past several years but died at home among friends and family.
When Nicki and I started dating it was kicked off with the standard stuff: attraction. typically the guy is more attracted to the girl and pursues. Nicki facilitated this whole process by actively running away and thought for a period of time I might be a serial killer…great story for later. As time went by however I knew there was something different about Nicki. She had this interesting balance of stubborness, humility, intelligence and humor that was unique and played a big part in me falling in love with her. I thought to myself “Where does a girl like this come from?” Those of you in the know will realize the literal answer “Red Bluff” is both ironic and inadequate. When I met Nicki’s Dad, Gary i understood better why Nicki is who she is. Gary has many of Nicki’s traits and is one of the most solid Men I’ve ever met. Unfortunately I never met Nicki’s mom, Candy, but I’ve heard stories and seen old family video. She was a trickster with a never ending stream of sarcasm, questions and snappy quips. I was seeing more of where my wife came from. When I met the rest of Nicki’s HUGE family however I was again confused. Although all of these people are unique in every sense of the word, they all had a theme of kindness, humility and humor. Again the question was raised “Where do these people come from?” Finally I met Nicki’s Grandpa, Joe and I finally understood. This Man’s influence was why this was a Great Family.
My greeting and parting with Joe were always the same: A warm hand shake, firm hug and a SINCERE question of “How are YOU? What’s new?”
We were able to spend some time with Joe a few weeks ago. He had the full Hospice kit in his living room including hospital bed and support gear. I showed him some of Nicki’s photos from the Crossfit games and he was quite impressed. I told him “Your Grand Daughter kicks ass!” to which he laughed and agreed. He had a list of questions about our business, what we were up to. He mentioned our recent piece in a national magazine. He showed more interest in ME and what I was doing than I’ve ever received from my family…all while essentially waiting to die. It’s amazing the impact certain people can have on your life.
Joe, you will be dearly missed.
Robb and Nicki – I’m sorry for your loss. Your description of Joe reminded me of my Grandpa who is also “waiting to die”. Loss of a loved one is never easy so my thoughts are with you…
Kelly
My sincerest condolences to you, Nicki and her family. I lost my 94 year-old grandmother a few weeks back so I know the value of family at these times.
Robb,
My condolences to Nicki and you.
Sounds like a great man, indeed. Takes me back to memories of growing up with my grandma.
Nicki and Robb,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God speed Joe!
Neal
Robb,
I am very sorry for your loss, but I am glad that you had the chance to get to know such a wonderful person. My wife’s father died of the same thing, and was also a very special man. Remember him in fondness.
Jim
Robb and Nicki,
Our deepest condolences from our family to yours.
Allen, Laurie, Connor, Chase and Hunter
Great memories of what sounds like great man. Sincere condolences for your loss. Something I found to be true when my grandfather passed, “They just don’t make ’em like that anymore”. I’m glad you were able to share time as a family, with the impact he had on you, he will surely live on.
Robb,
I’ve yet to meet you but will be attending one of your Nutrition seminars in the near future. Slowly, I have been reading more and more of your material as I have time. I am thoroughly impressed with your knowledge and articulate writing. Needless to say, I have learned a lot from you. Thank you so much for passing on your knowledge to the rest of us.
Being part of CrossFit gives us the opportunity to meet so many interesting people in this community. Even if you don’t meet some of those people face to face, you almost feel as if you have. So, in this time of sorrow, my fiance and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Nicki, you and her family. Nicki’s Grandfather was obviously a very interesting and likable man. We hope your grief will not last long and will be quickly comforted, but that your memories will last forever.
Joe, Nicki, you, and her family will be in our prayers.
Rest in peace Joe.
Sincerely,
Polo Lopez and Carissa Boone
Thank you Polo!
Our thoughts are with Nicki, yourself and the family.
My partner and I have both lost Grandparents recently and know how much it sucks. As time goes on I hope memories of the good times overcome the pain of the loss.
Great tribute.
Chris
Our sincerest condolences with you and Nicki.
Kurtis
Robb,
Thank you for sharing this. All my own grandparents were gone by the time I was 20. (I’m 42 now.) I feel close to my wife’s grandfather, who is 93, and not long for this world.
Nicki’s family sounds extraordinary, and you sound honored to be among them; part of them. One of them has passed; honor and celebrate him. Honor and celebrate the ones remaining as well.
Thanks Bryan, I’ll do it.
Robb and Nicki, I am so sorry for your loss. Robb, a beautiful tribute. I lost my mom last month, to cancer, and memories still flash at random moments. Hang in their my friend.
Larry, I was thinking about you the other day. Old School Crossfit! So sorry to hear about your mom. Life is truely amazing but sometimes intense enough to break one in half…luckily there are folks there to put us back together.
Rest in peace good man.
Joe, I look forward to meeting you in the next life.
Brad
Robb,
I’m sorry to hear about the family loss. Its great that you honored them by telling us such a lovely story about how positive influence can change our lives and basically form a great line of people in family.
Our sencere support for u and ur family from ours… we had a hard loss awhile ago but its great to remember them for what they did and left in us.
Omar
Powerful Robb. Good vibes to Nikki, yourself, and the entire family.
Your appreciation for your wife’s character and its traits reveals a lot about you. To look deep inside another person and marvel at what you find there is truly one of life’s greatest experiences. Passing what you have on to your children (when it happens) will make the world a better place.
Joe sounds like an icon. I hope you never forget him.
Kevin-
Very Kind words…I’m a damn lucky person, on many levels.
Sorry to hear about your loss Robb and Nicki.
Life lessons and the little things always matter.
-jh
Hi Robb,
I was asking in a crossfit blog (main site) recently about why would you just add fat to a zone diet when you are lean (8%BF or under) and it was effecting your performance. You replied to me on the blog but I must have not stated my question clearly and I apologize.
Here is my question:
If you are lean and you are beginning to see a decrease in your performance especially on METCON days (but strength days too) why wouldn’t you increase your entire block count by one block?
Why does everyone focus on increasing just the fat block? I’m not against it, I am just wondering why?
I have a crossfit affiliate in Washington State ( olympiccrossfit.blogspot.com ) and I am curious in order to further my understanding of nutrition so that I can pass that onto my clients. I promise that you will see me and my lady Lysa at a nutrition seminar in the near future.
By the way, the epMotion ditty is my ringtone :>) …It’s time to automate, its called epMotion….
Have Fun, Train Hard,
Billy
Billy-
We increase the fat because we are taking in adequate protein and carbs, but are low in cals with the base Zone. Taking in more carbs and protein will lead to the unwanted swings in blood sugar we are trying to avoid…ad fat adapted athlete is a better athlete!
Nicki & Robb,
Jodi and I both send love and prayers to your entire family. Take comfort that Joe was home with friends and family. Hope everyone is holding up well.
My sincere condolences to you and your family Nicki, It sounds like he was a great man.That was a nice piece you wrote Rob. Take care, both of you and I hope to see you soon.
Ciao
Luca Zanet
I am sorry for your loss. He sounded like a wonderful guy! His memory and legacy will live on. Your post was so moving, I just had to reply. One of the most important features of CrossFit is its community. We are all here for each other helping each other through workouts and life. 🙂
Robb and Nicki,
I am so sorry to hear the passing of a great man. My condolences to you both and the rest of your family.
Robb,
It sounds like you have been blessed to have had Joe and all of Nicki’s family as part of your world. It sounds like his positive impact will continue to be felt in your life.
Hey mate,
Sending you condolences from over the pond. Family is really special and that’s a blessing we carry till it’s time for them to be going on to better things.
Wishing you and Nicki peace and love
Ems
(CFWS)
Condolences to you both. You are lucky to have recognized and appreciated how special Nicki’s grandfather was while he was still alive. Sounds like the kind of guy who would appreciate you celebrating his memory.
Come on back down to Phoenix sometime soon, hopefully I’ll be around to say hello.
Ken Urakawa
Will do Ken, sorry to have missed you.
Beautyfull words Robb, I’m so sorry for both of you. Take care of yourselves.
best wishes to your families.
Robb, Nicki. My condolences for your loss. I’ll keep you all in my prayers.
God Bless.
Robb,
my condolences to Nicki and you.
Best wishes,
Peter