Listen To Your Body

[jenson1a]

Thank you Werner for posting this. I always enjoyed Westy's posts--he was so analytical and honest. I remember his posts after his bladder had been removed and he was looking for advice on how to get back in the water. I read his obituary that you linked and being a Christian, I sincerely hope that he is now at rest and probably enjoying truly effortless swimming. My sympathies go out to his family.

Sherry

[Janos]

Sad news, but thanks for posting it Werner. Internet forums are cold and impersonal places, so it says a lot that about this forum that you can post this sad news knowing that people across the world had Westy in their thoughts.

The most recent post from him about his road trip where he expresses his delight at his most 'zen like' swim is so poignant, and a salient reminder to us all to 'seize the day'!!

Sincere sympathies to all his friends and family.

Janos

[Danny]

I too would like to pay my respects to Westy, and to thank Werner for posting the news. Since I am in his age group, I took and take his health warnings seriously and followed his journey on this forum with great interest. We were all buoyed by his news of a long swim and disappointed that it could not continue that way. My best wishes go out to his family!

[Talvi]

I didn't see this until now .. thanks for closing this thread so respectfully Werner. Otan osa :'(

[Grant]

Thanks Werner for your post about Westy. He was a very valuable part of this forum and has and will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends. Words seem so ineffective and know that you are in our thoughts.

[daveblt]

So sorry to hear the sad news about Westy. I also offer my condolences to the family and friends .

Dave

[AWP]

I'll echo the sentiments expressed here with my condolences.
We all share a common bond here and I'd like to carry that on a bit for Westy and will look to dedicate my next open water 10K to him, hopefully he'll be 'with' me, and all of you as well.

[Talvi]

Originally Posted by westyswoods

My goal was to accomplish a 10k swim which would mean two laps around a beautiful glacial formed lake in WI. After the minor set back due to finger amputation I knew it was not going to happen.

I took a road trip at the very end of August and found a stretch of beach near Bayfield WI, Lake Michigan. It was the most zen like swim I have ever done. Very calm, lake temp was perfect, no boats, beautiful day, no time frame, all alone, most amazing was the sun being at a perfect angle to cast my shadow on the bottom. I did wear a torpedo bottom and after mapping on google came up with 3.5 miles. That was about my max as there was no nutrition available.

It was one of those magical moments which just happened unexpectedly.

Swim Silent and Be Well
Westy

I can't stop thinking about all this and the bottomless sorrow for those left behind. He wrote a few weeks before the end. I wonder if he wrote to say that life is worth the fight.