Dooley Noted: 10/1/15
The Person: Dan Fetzner
Profession: elite gymnastics coach, pool aficionado
How I know him:
I met Dan at age 20, when he searched a restaurant to find me a chair. My crush was initiated, and we spent 6 years together (ages 21-27), never apart more than 2 days.
We shared fun, love, joy, crises, and hardships.
How he’s changed me:
Dan taught me I didn’t have to be “fully whole” to be with someone. I never agreed with that adage that you had to be whole before attempting love. We are dynamic people that endure struggle. And Dan stood beside me through the greatest struggle of my life.
As I currently endure grief, I am reminded of the end of Dan’s and my union. Life as I knew it was over, but the pain allowed for a new journey to begin.
Just because things end as you know it, it doesn’t mean YOU end.
Dan showed me I could love and be loved in return, and someone was willing to walk alongside me as I grew closer to the woman I wanted to be.
To this day, I know I can call him, any hour, and he would be there for me. And he knows I would do the same for him.
Love doesn’t die. It’s like energy: it morphs into something else – if you don’t stop its flow.
I have never endured more pain than my breakup with Dan. It’s almost ten years later now. When we meet, or I hear his voice, I feel no pain nor hate nor grudge for what we endured.
I feel nothing but compassion, empathy, and gratefulness for him walking beside me for six years – and remaining my dear friend to this day.
His responses to a list of questions:
How I met you:
Through an incredible friend, Lindsay Hill
Books that changed me:
1. The Butterfly Effect
2. The Places You’ll Go
3. 10-minute Toughness
Best website:
usagym.org
Biggest mentors:
My parents
Secret to success:
Perseverance and Commitment
Secret to happiness:
Love your profession
Secret to fitness:
Focus on yourself
Secret to wealth:
Don’t be materialistic
Best advice:
Always look back, so you can move forward
How to contact: slgccoachdanny@gmail.com
Know and acknowledge the people that change you.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
