I never knew what it was like to lose someone close to me. Obviously, I know/knew what cancer is but it hadn't struck my family until recently. I've heard of Relay for Life & of course I have always donated a dollar or two because it was the 'right thing to do'. Now I feel that it is the ONLY thing to do.
I haven't been through cancer personally but when you watch a loved one go through it, it feels like you have. My best friend of 10 years lost her battle in Feb of this year and that has really opened my eyes. I wanted to do whatever I could do. I couldn't help her when she was sick but I thought just maybe I could help someone else. I designed and sold t-shirts & we sold lanyards to raise money. I feel that it is my duty as a cancer free American to do all I can to help those who are fighting or have lost their battle.
Cancer is devastating and heartbreaking. It separated mothers & children and husbands & wives but I am a believer that it brings people together. So many people have been affected by this terrible disease in one way or another and if people have just one common ground to stand on they will stand together and face it head on. One step at a time. As a 'people' we don't want to do things alone, hell girls don't even go to the bathroom alone :) I don't know how many people showed up last night but it was a blessing to be apart of it.
Jennifer Lovelace is a co-worker of mine at Walmart & I don't think our paths would have if it hadn't of been for this. I didn't know her whole story until last night. She is an Ovarian cancer survivor. She is so strong and brave. She has been though more than one woman deserves but she has came out a FIGHTER and she has a passion for Relay that I admire on the highest level. If I grow to be 1/2 the person she is I'd be just who I want to be.
Team Walmart was great last night. BBQ plates were so good & I just love all those ladies that were there.
I was lifted up by the Luminarie Celebration. They lined the whole inside track and were lit at dusk. It was just beautiful. The slide show with all the pictures of those who are fighting & the survivors & who have lost their fight..I'm usually not an emotional person but don't think there was a dry eye in the whole park at that time. All the vendors & the people who particapated in the Womanless Beauty revue. I'm a better person for having attened last night and if you weren't there you missed a blessing.
I plan to do even more next year. As much as I can possibly do will be done.. :)
I Relay for those who can't. I Relay for my beloved Annie Brown & for the Sweet Jennifer Lovelace.
Who do you Relay?
