Let me start by saying that this is not only a loss for the November Project DC Tribe, this is a loss for Washington, D.C. as a whole. That is the power of Kim and Jim. They take the values we talk about at workouts — spreading positivity to all, being inclusive, trying to bring more kindness to our community — and they apply them in the real world. It’s fantastic and it has given us all a standard to live up to and to replicate.
Kim Stemple is, by her own definition, “a rare cat.” I don’t think there is anyone here who would argue that. She brings a very specific energy to our Tribe. First off, if you’re like me, you notice the badass haircut. Seriously, NO ONE rocks a pixie cut like Kim. Then, after she’s given you the closest, most heartfelt hug ever, she starts talking and her eyes light up — they radiate the warmth and positivity echoed in her voice. Kim’s gregarious nature, warm smile and relentless positivity have made Boston, D.C. and now Virginia Beach infinitely better places to live.
Jim, you are a model of strength. Your genuine willingness to do whatever is asked of you has made workouts an absolute joy. If you asked me to describe the ideal attributes for a Tribe member, it’s Jim. To have someone that shows up, gives his all each and every time, and makes the people around him better — that’s why this experiment was created and continues to flourish.
Thank you both for embodying the positive attitude November Project was founded on. Aside from kicking ass at workouts, your work in the community to spread love and hope, and include other people in the process, has changed our Tribe for the better. The mission of We Finish Together, something as simple as giving an old race medal to someone, anyone who may need it, is so beautiful and inspiring. Additionally, your admirable efforts running for wear blue: run to remember — honoring our country’s servicemen and women — sheds light on an extremely worthy cause.
A few others — far more eloquent than I am — contributed their own Kim and Jim memories to better illustrate what incredible people you guys are.
“Sports bra squad, unicorn and piggy, vegan noms and tutus. My soul sister, my twin, I love you so much, I wish I could be there today. #unicornandpiggygoplaces”
Santa’s FAVORITE helpers
“We often use #justshowup as a hashtag. Kim and Jim show up in ways many don’t understand. They show up at workouts when they have struggles that would sideline most of us. And even with whatever might be going on in their lives, they show up for others. Kim and Jim show up for others. Kim created the Moms of NP as an Instagram handle. But Kim and Jim have become substitute parents to many, offering the perspective of someone with a little more life experience or simply listening. Even arranging for the kids to go to the movies! Kim and Jim show up to workout when most would be sidelined. We have an injury deck for people with aches and pains. But we can’t comprehend Kim’s perseverance and Jim’s support. Just one example, in 2015, Kim was training for Marine Corps Marathon and undergoing chemo. She ran the Air Force half marathon, and at the end, she needed three more miles to hit her training plan for the marathon. So she took her oral chemo therapy at the finish line and then took off to run three more miles. Throughout this, Jim was by her side to support her. This leads to the third point, which is they show up for each other. The test of a relationship is not how it withstands to fun times, but how it withstands difficulties. Kim has long shown her dedication to Jim, moving around with him in his military career. And she always talks about how she loves him. But it is hard for any of us to even comprehend the kind of dedication Jim has shown. He has been alongside Kim through her medical difficulties. When she has defied her doctors, Jim has remained supportive. He pushes back a little bit when Kim tries to push herself too far, but he is constantly there for her, often behind the scenes and more than Kim knows. That is a love that we can only hope to find someday.”
“Kim and Jim Stemple truly are the mom and dad of NP_DC. They are always concerned about everyone else, encouraging and supporting other members of the tribe that most people probably have no idea what they face head on every single day. But that’s what mom’s and dads do – they spare their children some of life’s harsh realities and work to make a world that is better for their children thAn the one they have come to know. This summer I had the privilege of becoming closer with the Stemple’s as Kim and I trained for the Marine Corps Marathon. I had a thumb nail sketch of who Kim and Jim were, what #wefinishtogether was all about, and the battle Kim was fighting every day. What astounded me then, and continues to astound me now, is the poise, grace, happiness, and joy they bring to every situation and every person they encounter. Kim and Jim have taught me what it truly means to give yourself fully to something – a cause, a community, a country. There are no days off, do your job, do it with kindness, and be grateful for every second of your life. Spend it doing what you love, with the people you love. Kim and Jim are the personification of the old adage “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” While I am devastated to see Kim and Jim leave D.C., I know that they have more good to do, for more people, in more places, both in this world and in the next. Kim and Jim, I am honored to be your friend. You have taught me more in the months we’ve spent together about the type of person I want to be, the type of marriage I’d like to have, and the type of community I want to cultivate around me, than I had learned in 25 years before. Thank you for all you have given to this tribe, this city, and every one of your individual “kids.” You’ve hugged us, you’ve kept the monsters of life at bay, you’ve celebrated us, and today we celebrate you. Thank You.”
“In the short time I have known Kim, she has become my role model, inspiration, cheerleader, mom, and dear friend. I’ll never forget running through the streets of Annapolis hearing her stories, talking about life and change and embracing the good in the world, singing Man in the Mirror, and ducking in embarrassment when she called out to the midshipmen, “That’s my daughter, she’s single!” Kim, it was an honor to run with you then as your flower girl and a it’s been a privilege to share the streets of the capital with you.”
#momsofnp
Moms love unconditionally. Moms welcome you with open arms. Moms pick you up when you fall. Moms celebrate in your successes. Moms encourage you to grow. A mom’s love carries in your heart even when they are not near. All of this embodies the heart and spirit of Kim. Together we began #momsofnp but what connects us is much more than that. There are almost too many stories to count. But what I know is that my life is better because Kim and Jim are in it. They may be moving on but I know they will be with me every day because their spirit is in my heart forever.”
“First things first: I’m not crying, you’re crying. Capeesh? Okay, good. So, I remember first seeing Kim running the stairs at Lincoln, and wondering why she wore these decorated race bibs every week. My curiosity was quickly quenched when I saw some post somewhere about chemo. Turns out the numbers on the race bib she wore each week represented which week of chemo she was currently crushing, and the words written all around were mantras from and for her community. What a gem of a human, this unstoppable, unwavering spirit. I’m not sure exactly when in 2015 I became a part of that community, but I know for certain it was there on those Lincoln steps that we became fast friends. On those early Wednesday mornings together, back when we could still run all the way to the tippy top, Kim would tell me all about the complications of her diseases, her treatments, her life. We’d joke and laugh and praise the importance of compassionate care, and soon enough I’d see it firsthand as we held hands at her palliative appointments together. Since then, there have been so many cold brews and tutus and so much fucking mud that I don’t think either one of us want to talk about it, a flower cake and countless yoga dates, texts, hugs, and so much love. This past Wednesday, even though we weren’t at Lincoln, it still felt like old times as Kim quizzed me about her blood tests while I bear-crawled beside her, and we made plans for me to visit her new home in Virginia Beach while we sexy-bowled. I know Kim’s presence on the steps, and throughout this community that she’s helped build, will be missed more than words can express. I also know that she makes a killer long distance best friend (looking at you, Blake) and that she’ll take me to eat tacos on the boardwalk (because she knows the way to my heart, and she said she would) and I can’t wait to take her up on both of those. NPVB is gaining two gems, their unstoppable, unwavering spirit, and your family here at NPDC will miss you very, very much.”
“Kim and Jim. Kim and Jim! I’m not sure how to explain how much these two have meant to me in my eight short months in DC. I had heard and read about Kim while living in Boston, so I knew to look out for her at my first Lincoln workout. I knew she would be awesome, I mean, c’mon, she ran a 50K because her doctor had told her that a marathon (a mere 26 miles) was out of the question. Moving to DC was hard. Really, really hard. Boston was home, it still is home, and sometimes I still feel like a fish out of water here. Over the last eight months, though, Kim has been that wonderful and comforting reminder of home. She’s sassy, just as sarcastic as I am, and to put it in a few words, she gets me (actually, a lot of people have said this about Kim. Have you ever met anyone more empathetic, more charismatic, more WICKED awesome?! Yes, I just used the word wicked. I am full New England). I’m not afraid to speak my mind around her and my insecurities disappear in her presence. She’s remarkable. And Jim! Jim is such a solid member of this tribe. He’s my NP DC Dad (besides Ron), is quietly just as sarcastic as Kim, and has made me laugh so hard that I began crying. Side note: Jim does not actually like running at all, but he still shows up to NP all the time and makes all of us work harder. Also, he comes to social events even though he is old and I appreciate that. I appreciate you, Jim. I think the phrase I use the most to describe Kim is, “you’re crazy.” The phrase I’ve heard Jim lovingly use about her is, “pain in the ass.” Both might be true, but in all the best kind of ways. My own mother is perhaps most thankful for Kim, because Kim is always telling me gems like, “wear a helmet,” “bring a light when you run in the dark,” and, most of all, “boys are very stupid.” Good advice, am I right? Thank you to both of you for embracing every single one of my exasperated eye rolls, loving me when I’m sad, happy, and REALLY sweaty, and, honestly, for showing up. I think we all know that the hashtag/mantra of #justshowup does not only apply to workouts; it applies to life. If I need something, anything, I know Kim and Jim will be there, and if they can’t be there, they will volunteer Connor without telling him first. I love you three; you are a beautiful family (I’m not crying, you’re crying). You have taught me to be kind, always. See you both soon and talk to you even sooner.”
THIS AIN’T GOODBYE, IT’S SEE YOU LATER. Barry and John, and the rest of #NPVB, you’re gaining two of the best, take good care of them. Kim and Jim, thank you, we love and adore you and we WILL see you soon.
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