Karate Courage

Last Friday, at the Regional Qualifying Tournament, Jane Jasperson put on another in a series of courageous performances. Jane competed strongly in the women's kata. That she practices karate at all, much less performs so well, is amazing. Jane is battling cancer and has been for a number of years; because of the numerous tumors, she now can only compete in kata and practice in non-contact drills. Yet, during class, I sneak admiring glances at her strong stances and love watching her side thrust kicks and reverse punches, both accompanied by that crisp snap of the gi. Jane exemplifies living each day fully with intensity, determination, and grace.

I wrote the above paragraph over a year ago in April of 2011 but never posted it. Jane passed away this past July. Tonight, many friends and family gathered for a celebration of her life. The video slide show of Jane's life was beautiful and touching; the remembrances shared so heartfelt and eloquent. Friends spoke from her different circles of activities- the Sturdy Girls who canoed and camped with Jane, the Pilot Knob group who immersed themselves in Dakota language and culture together, the women of the Catholic church group who brought Jane into their fold and enriched themselves by doing so, the karate practitioners who taught, competed with, and learned from Jane, the support group of women with cancer who, like the geese flying in formation, lift each other up, and her family who shared in Jane's life and love.

I was not one of Jane's friends, only an acquaintance through karate, but I admired her greatly both for her friendly and humble demeanor and for the zest she had for life. After attending tonight's celebration, I realize that what I saw of Jane in her gi, practicing karate, was both a small slice of the woman and also the essence of her in all her endeavors.

I pray that Jane not rest in peace but that she find new rapids to run, new katas to practice, and old friends to greet.