Wow! I can't believe how fast this week seems to have gone by. Last Friday night I participated in my first Relay for Life in memory of my Mom and Aunt Chris, who both died of cancer, and in honor of my Grandma Mary, who is a cancer survivor.
It was something I was looking forward to, but I had no idea the effect it would have on me. Quick explanation of what the Relay for Life is, for those of you who may not really know (I didn't). It's an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society in which survivors, caregivers and anyone touched by cancer can raise money and come walk during the time. This event was Friday night, it started at 6pm and lasted until 11am Saturday morning. I found out about the event about a month before-hand and decided that it was something I really wanted to be a part of, and I am so glad I did. I was able to raise over $350 for cancer research in the time before the event just by sending out emails (thanks! by the way, and you can still donate if you would like by going to my personal page. ). Typically those involved in the event are part of a team in which they take turns walking throughout the event and are sponsored by a company in the area. Since I got involved late I did not build a team in and/or get corporate sponsorship or join a team of people I didn't know, so I signed up to just be a participant myself. I had spoken with a couple people out here to have them come walk with me, but when Friday rolled around it was only me who was heading to the stadium for the walk. I knew there would be some emotional times during the event, basically I expected it to be during the Luminaria Ceremony which is where names of those lost to cancer as well as cancer survivors are placed on bags and candles are lit in them in memory/honor of their lives. Also during this time there were bags placed in the grandstands spelling out the word "HOPE" As the sun went down we are started lighting the candles so that each bag would be lit when the ceremony started. However, what I did not expect when arriving at the event that evening was the overwhelming emotion that came with just being there or with seeing the survivors walk around the track or maybe it 
was walking as a caregiver... I cannot say what it was, but it was something unexpected. I missed my mom. I was overwhelmed, I was alone and I really wanted to leave, but I knew that I was there for a great reason and for that I would stay and walk and she would be proud. So, I walked. I set "goals" for myself for how long I would stay and walk and when I left I realized I had been walking around this football field for 8 hours! I know momma would have been proud of me; I wish she could have been there with me.
It was something I was looking forward to, but I had no idea the effect it would have on me. Quick explanation of what the Relay for Life is, for those of you who may not really know (I didn't). It's an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society in which survivors, caregivers and anyone touched by cancer can raise money and come walk during the time. This event was Friday night, it started at 6pm and lasted until 11am Saturday morning. I found out about the event about a month before-hand and decided that it was something I really wanted to be a part of, and I am so glad I did. I was able to raise over $350 for cancer research in the time before the event just by sending out emails (thanks! by the way, and you can still donate if you would like by going to my personal page. ). Typically those involved in the event are part of a team in which they take turns walking throughout the event and are sponsored by a company in the area. Since I got involved late I did not build a team in and/or get corporate sponsorship or join a team of people I didn't know, so I signed up to just be a participant myself. I had spoken with a couple people out here to have them come walk with me, but when Friday rolled around it was only me who was heading to the stadium for the walk. I knew there would be some emotional times during the event, basically I expected it to be during the Luminaria Ceremony which is where names of those lost to cancer as well as cancer survivors are placed on bags and candles are lit in them in memory/honor of their lives. Also during this time there were bags placed in the grandstands spelling out the word "HOPE" As the sun went down we are started lighting the candles so that each bag would be lit when the ceremony started. However, what I did not expect when arriving at the event that evening was the overwhelming emotion that came with just being there or with seeing the survivors walk around the track or maybe it 
was walking as a caregiver... I cannot say what it was, but it was something unexpected. I missed my mom. I was overwhelmed, I was alone and I really wanted to leave, but I knew that I was there for a great reason and for that I would stay and walk and she would be proud. So, I walked. I set "goals" for myself for how long I would stay and walk and when I left I realized I had been walking around this football field for 8 hours! I know momma would have been proud of me; I wish she could have been there with me. Saturday was an exciting day! Dad, Shawn, Jen and Cody all came to visit me!! A weekend I have been looking forward to and a weekend I knew would be crazy... never realized how overstimulating it might be though =) Imagine, dad, Shawn, Jen, Cody (my 3yr old nephew), myself and my dog (boxer-ridgeback, 54lb mix!) all in my ONE-bedroom apartment for the weekend!!! Holy Madness to say the least! But, it was so much fun and I am so glad they came down! We played at the pool on Saturday and then just ran around Durham a little that evening.
Then Sunday we took Cody to the Tweetsie Railroad Park in Blowing Rock NC (about 3hr drive from my house) where they were having a special event "A Day Out with Thomas the Train" 
He had a blast!! It was a very fun day for all of us -- don't they look excited?? 
The next day we walked around Chapel Hill and Jen was in UNC Heaven, buying everything she could find in Carolina Blue =) and then they left... it was such a fun weekend, sad in it's own way as well being that everyone was together except mom, but it was great to have them all here!
I have now been back to work and am off this weekend as well. This weekend is going to be my relaxing time. I am looking forward to a laid back weekend at home, it's been a long time since I have had that! As much as I love always having something to do or someone at my house... I am looking forward to it just being me (& Layla of course) and having some time to relax an
d just do nothing. Next weekend is the wedding.... hopefully Alix will join me this weekend in the relaxing as well! I am very excited for her weekend and am looking forward to it... my girl is getting married!!!
d just do nothing. Next weekend is the wedding.... hopefully Alix will join me this weekend in the relaxing as well! I am very excited for her weekend and am looking forward to it... my girl is getting married!!!
2 comments:
I'm so proud of you for walking a solid 8 hours! I hate that you had to go alone and I wish I could have been there with you, but I know your mom IS so proud of you. Love you!
Good girl, Jess, how proud of you I am, and I know your Mom is as well ((hugs)) May was a rough month for me this year, with it being 9 years since our Lora left us... I think I'm already anticipating the huge 10-year mark. Living without our loved ones "sucks" (as you and Lora would say *s*), but as we're told "the rain falls on the just and the unjust". This life isn't supposed to be heaven--this life is our spiritual "boot camp". Remember you can always call when you need a Momma's listening ear ((hugs))
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