My wife, Paula passed away on April 16, 2021. She lost her life to cancer at 43 years of age. She was my first training partner. We practiced Gracie University combatives together for quite some time. She used to apply a little extra on her triangles. During our drilling, Paula when performing the traditional closed guard triangle, would get the partner's (me) arm across her lap and dig the boney prominence of her elbow into my arm. I would ask her, bewildered, "why are you doing that"? She just smiled and said; It is Jiu-jitsu!
We lived in a rural area and local Jiu-jitsu was undesirable. She was not really into Jiu-jitsu so much as she was very much into me.
Paula would humor me to go on trips, vacations that had a GJJ or affiliated training center nearby. Of course, her eyes would roll, but she expected this from me. My wife Paula. My first, best, most supportive, and dedicated training partner.
"My wife, Paula passed away on April 16, 2021. She lost her life to cancer at 43 years of age. She was my first training partner. We practiced Gracie University combatives together for quite some time. She used to apply a little extra on her triangles. During our drilling, Paula when performing the traditional closed guard triangle, would get the partner's (me) arm across her lap and dig the boney prominence of her elbow into my arm. I would ask her, bewildered, 'why are you doing that'? She just smiled and said; It is Jiu-jitsu! We lived in a rural area and local Jiu-jitsu was undesirable. She was not really into Jiu-jitsu so much as she was very much into me. Paula would humor me to go on trips, vacations that had a GJJ or affiliated training center nearby. Of course, her eyes would roll, but she expected this from me. My wife Paula. My first, best, most supportive, and dedicated training partner. Rest in Peace, my darling"
My condolences, I lost my father earlier this year and i know how much that can take a toll on your mental. Just know that she is happy for the time that she shared with you and that she is still up there looking down on you laughing at you do stupid stuff while you train.. Just remember the good times that you had and that will carry you though the long days... thats what helped me
I am so sorry for your loss. Cancer is an awful thing and tales way to many at young ages. You were very fortunate to have her and your story of training with her was heartwarming.. Keep your head up and you both are in my prayers
"My wife, Paula passed away on April 16, 2021. She lost her life to cancer at 43 years of age. She was my first training partner. We practiced Gracie University combatives together for quite some time. She used to apply a little extra on her triangles. During our drilling, Paula when performing the traditional closed guard triangle, would get the partner's (me) arm across her lap and dig the boney prominence of her elbow into my arm. I would ask her, bewildered, 'why are you doing that'? She just smiled and said; It is Jiu-jitsu! We lived in a rural area and local Jiu-jitsu was undesirable. She was not really into Jiu-jitsu so much as she was very much into me. Paula would humor me to go on trips, vacations that had a GJJ or affiliated training center nearby. Of course, her eyes would roll, but she expected this from me. My wife Paula. My first, best, most supportive, and dedicated training partner. Rest in Peace, my darling"
Our deepest condolences to you and your family on your tremendous loss.
Thank you all. When I posted about my darling, I was/ am feeling...less than, without. However, all of you are wonderful! I'm never going to say the right thing. Thank you.
"My wife, Paula passed away on April 16, 2021. She lost her life to cancer at 43 years of age. She was my first training partner. We practiced Gracie University combatives together for quite some time. She used to apply a little extra on her triangles. During our drilling, Paula when performing the traditional closed guard triangle, would get the partner's (me) arm across her lap and dig the boney prominence of her elbow into my arm. I would ask her, bewildered, 'why are you doing that'? She just smiled and said; It is Jiu-jitsu! We lived in a rural area and local Jiu-jitsu was undesirable. She was not really into Jiu-jitsu so much as she was very much into me. Paula would humor me to go on trips, vacations that had a GJJ or affiliated training center nearby. Of course, her eyes would roll, but she expected this from me. My wife Paula. My first, best, most supportive, and dedicated training partner. Rest in Peace, my darling"
My first wife, Jan, died of cancer in April of 2007.
Your post reminded me very much of that time and the special relationship her and I also shared.
Brian, How are you doing NOW?
Feel free to reach out and private message me any time!
