At first glance I thought a rainbow gathering had decended upon my favorite park behind the Wickline Center. There were campers and a school bus, tye-dyes, dancing glow necklaces, people laughing and hugging and live music. An impromptu celebration that got lost coming home from the Wanee Festival. But that’s not really what was going down…
For weeks there have been many people throughout town raising money for Relay for Life. The event itself is takes place overnight…so while you are sleeping…they are out walking. It is designed to be “fun-filled and celebrate survivorship and raise money for programs and research of cancer.” Unfortunately this event is so huge because it seems as though almost every person is now touched by cancer somehow. I have been scratched by cancer but this year I bled. The first lap I took, I was accompanied by a survivor that I barely recognised but for the amazing sparkle in her eye. She was telling me and my sister how much money people were donating. The generosity was amazing as was her strength to now become a speaker on behalf of her experience. We decided to take another lap. This was when I saw the luminary with my aunts name and suddenly the tears welled up. After that moment each step I took became important. It was on the third lap that I realised how lucky I am today that I just get to walk home and go to sleep when so many for different reasons do not.
Today you should be thankful… Love to You ALL!
I would also like to give a shout-out to Kristen and Jo-Anna who raised money for the Memory Walk to end Alzheimer’s. Great job ladies!!
