Ok...I guess you can all see that it has been over a month since my last posting. I can't even begin to tell you what I have been doing since that post...literally it would take several pages (100 or more) to let you know. The reason why I have never really been able to keep a diary...another reason I am not great at posting. I rarely have the time to 'play' on the computer.
But I thought I would share a bit with you about what's going on after I had someone ask me yesterday why I do what I do. I am not sure what all they were talking about since they do not even know everything that goes on...but one of the topics was how I felt after my 3-day walk. I am sure the 5 or 6 people that read the blog know about it...and my froggy friend knows all about it. So I just wanted to mention a few things.
Before I start with the walk...I wanted to say that I have always been taught that we are to use the gifts our precious Father has given us. Now...I am not rich in a financial way...but I consider myself rich in family and friends. One thing that I do is give of my time. I know many people think I am crazy going to teach science at the school here for 4 different classes...but that time is important to me. Yes, it takes time, planning, and sometimes a few bucks...but the expression and excitement on those kids faces makes it all worth while. So I do it...and will continue to do it as long as I feel like that is what I am supposed to do.
I am also very involved in a moms group here in town. Most of the friends I have, I have met through that group. Without that group...well...I am just not sure what I would do. They have brought me meals, taken care of my kids, cleaned my house, and have uplifted and blessed me beyond belief. Yep...I could pay them...but they wouldn't take it. So I give back. Yes, it takes time, planning, and a little more money...but when they come to me to ask for help knowing they can trust me...well, it makes it all worth while. So I do what I can...and will continue to as long as I feel like I am supposed to be part of that group.
OK...that is not all I do...but one other activity that takes up my time, money, and my families time is the walk. This started out to be something that I was doing just because HT wanted me to...but it has become so much more. I didn't do much training the first year...I just thought...60 miles...not that big of a deal...I will do it...and if not, I can always take the shuttle to the next stop. But it was so much more than I expected. The first year I didn't think I would have the strength to continue on the second day. Until I saw the lady standing on the side of the road, by herself, with a bandana around her mostly bald head, holding a sign that said 'Thank you for walking for me'.
Even now the emotion just takes over as I tear up thinking about it. So I didn't stop. I had such large blisters on one foot that 2 toenails fell off. I could not even lift my feet...but I scooted to the finish point and was recieved by a HUGE hug from HT's mom. I basically fell in her arms...what a wonderful feeling. The morning of day 3, I could not even get my shoes on...so HT gave me hers. What a friend. And guess what...well...if you read my post from last year you would know that we made it. All 60 miles on foot.
So...again in 2010? No way was what people around me said. That is crazy to do it again. But we signed up and made the commitment. I knew what I was getting into...but people still thought we were crazy. I was asked several times...'Why?' 'You already did it one year...why not just give a donation?' But it is more than that. We went this year with a larger team, and again with HT's mom to support and encourage us. I went knowing that however many blisters...we would finish. It was not about the pain or discomfort...it is about a mission.
It was about the lady on the side that we have seen for 2 years now that holds a sign saying 'my right boob thanks you!' It was about the man that keeps changing his sign that this year said 'My wife cancer free...3 years.' And yes...it is sometimes about those silly people that are there cheering for us and those guys that hold the sign with 2 holes cut out that says 'these boobs thank you'! It is about remembering what my uncle went through when he lost his fight to cancer. It is about the struggles HT's dad went through when he beat the same type of cancer. It is about knowing someone that deals with the destruction that chemo can do to a healthy body. It is about the kids that have to live without a parent because cancer does not descriminate.
So there is really no reason to ask me why I do the things I do. It is because I have been called to use my gifts that God has given me...one gift is my time. I do it because I want my kids to see that it is not 'all about ME' and I want them to give and serve. I do it because I know that research helps. I do it because it means more to me than money, blisters, discomfort, or pain. I do it because I like to see other people smile. I do it because I want others to feel loved. I do it because I can!
I also have to say that the 3-day walk has become a huge part of my life. As a matter of fact...I can't see my life without it right now or in the near future. So what is in store for 2011? Well..we are officially signed up and commited! but this year we are giving our donors a break. We signed up to be a crew memeber...which means a day earlier...and a lot of hard work...but we will not be walking. and yes, we are actually sad about that...but we are trying to stir up members to join our team and walk for us!
Let me also tell you that another aspect of my life that the 3-day has changed is my closet! I am the type of gal that likes winter colors...dark colors...dark red, black, browns...and that was what my closet has in it. I can now say that 50% or more now has the color pink! I was never really a 'pink' person...but it has new meaning to me. I don't think of it as a 'girly' color...or 'sissy' color. I now look at that color as a strong color...a color that fights...a color that has courage and strength...compassion and tears...a color that reminds me of what our commitment stands for.
I wanted to share a few pictures of our walk...I don't have them all...I am still waiting H...but here are a few.
