Live With Unlimited Dedication

His Unlimited Dedication knew no boundaries. 

He humbly loved, spoke, acted, lived. 

His fierce loyalty  

for his family

for his friends

for his Broncos

for his Buffs
for the cabin 

for his work

...

is unmatched.

His legacy can't be bound. 

His light can't be extinguished. 

His spirit dances.

Because of him we were changed and inspired to live life with more intention.

 We learned that fully embracing all life gives us is the only way

to live.

We learned that humility is priceless. 

We learned that generosity is immeasurable. 

We learned to love--

 fully, wholly, sacrificially. 

We learned this because

his Unlimited Dedication

knew

no 

boundaries.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is dedicated to my cousin, Phil.

His influence on my life was quiet and infrequent; but powerful and present. 

{It's truly so difficult to explain...}

The evil, that is ALS, took him from us way too soon, but his influence on so many people is unending. This little poem has been ruminating in me since his memorial service in July, and then last night we got to witness thousands of people meet him for the first time at a CU game where ALS awareness was highlighted and Phil was honored.

And in those moments, where strangers and family became one, I knew that I needed to try to put words to my feelings. I knew it because last night, he was with us and he was telling us to live with
Unlimited Dedication.

~~~~~~~~~~

If you are looking for a way to give charitably, please consider donating to this ALS association.

Dear Sweet, Sweet Maddox

Dear Sweet, Sweet Maddox,
When I told you for the first time in person how much I love you, I knew I would never be the same. 

  One of the reasons that you've stolen my heart is that I didn't expect to have you in my life. Your parents surprised us all with the news of you and I think we sort of forgot what it's like to have a little Jacobsen around. Your cousins are young men! They are incredible people that you will learn a lot from. Their kindness, purity of heart and dedication to be their best will inspire you.

 But now, here YOU are ready to make a mark on the world, inspiring them and the rest of us to be awesome.

 As your Aunt Kari, I have the honor and the privilege of loving you, spoiling you, and giving you the hope that you are NEVER alone. I also have the "Auntness" to  buy cute outfits like this to dress you up in! (To your 20 year old self, I am sorry!)

I'm also the Aunt that will think creating a Lion King moment with the whole family is hilarious and inspirational.

Speaking of family, your parents are incredible. They want the very, very best for you and will stop at nothing to make sure you know how loved you are. They are some of my best friends and my life is so much richer because of them. We are all going to have a lot of fun together over the next several years. 

 The time I spent with you in Colorado is a SMALL taste of how much love I have for you. I want you to know that I am ALWAYS going to be here for you. 

There will be miles between us, probably our whole lives, but no matter what happens or how much distance is between us, know that we are under the same moon, and know I love you more than I can promise.

Because of you, sweet Maddox, I am already a better person and I can't thank you enough for making my heart full and my life better. 


*A special thank you to Hannah Lesley Photography for the amazing pictures.
{Hers are the ones that don't look like they were from my phone. :)} 

This is Unlimited Dedication

What is Unlimited Dedication?

For the Jacobsens, Unlimited Dedication has its most resilient roots at the CABIN! which holds 50 years of memories. 

We got to be together over the 4th of July weekend to strengthen these roots and create millions of new memories that will last a lifetime. Yes, all 55 of us in one place--yikes.

 

{ALL of my cousins were present with their families. Only 5 of my second cousins were unable to make it. I think this is incredible.}

As we celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary and 50 years of the CABIN!, I was struck by the fact that all of my senses were in play.  When I see, hear, smell, taste and feel certain things in the future, I will be transported back to this magical weekend where Unlimited Dedication knows no bounds. 

What does Unlimited Dedication look like?

It looks like almost 100 people gathering to celebrate my parents while various members of the Jacobsen clan sings songs, uses props, puts on costumes, reenacts "the ultimatum", {and the truth about The Finger Story} recites original poems and does "magic" to creatively celebrate my parent's story. 

What does Unlimited Dedication sound like?

It sounds like a million laughs, 

{Hands down, the sound I will most remember from this year is laughter.}

 the CABIN! CD on endless repeat, cheering for new water skiers, the thump, thump, thump of cornhole madness, the elusive connection of a rock to the pole and lots and lots of stories being passed between all generations.

What does Unlimited Dedication smell like?

It smells like sunscreen on the Pontoon and the Oasis, lake water, fireworks {AKA fear!} and fire pit smoke for many, many s'mores. 

{And it probably smells a bit like wet dog, but he's so cute about it! :)}

What does Unlimited Dedication taste like?

It tastes like pulled pork sandwiches made from Brian's smoker, Nathan's jambalaya and corn salad, and maybe some Coors Light and a root beer barrel or 2...

Oh, and the sweet taste of victory for the Champs.

What does Unlimited Dedication feel like?

It feels like family. Amazing memories being made, deeper friendships formed, and that magical feeling of truly belonging to something greater than ourselves.  

This is Unlimited Dedication.