Tonight is the Relay for Life.
It is both a day that I anticipate and dread.
It is a reminder that people win the fight! The survivor lap is proof. All cancer survivors take a lap together and wear a different colored shirt in honor of their fight. When they take their lap so many thoughts flood my mind. I think about walking over to my friends workplace to give her a prayer shawl and how beautiful she looked that day despite her fears. Tears start to form as I think about the time that I stopped by Heidi's house and she opened the door without her wig on. It makes me smile to think of when Cheryl and Jess realized at bunco that they endured treatment together so many years ago and joked about how they look much different with hair and color in their skin! How difficult it must have been for Jess to move away when her Dad was still completing his treatment regimen. I vividly remember when Amy called to tell me that Danny had lung cancer. I wish Amanda didn't have the scars to prove she's a survivor. I wish Matt didn't have to have a Happy Cancer Day! I think about how they fought so hard and won! Through the treatments, the hair loss, the damaged vocal chords, the tattooed eyebrows, the new boobies, the doctors appointments and so much more. I can't even fathom what it is going through their minds!
It is a reminder of sweet, handsome Connor who is currently fighting the dreaded C word. He is already a warrior and he's only 9! How his loving parents have to explain why and what is going on with his body. "He's had good days and bad days. Mouth sores, nerve pain and nausea. There was about ten days straight that I think he threw up at least once a day." -Sarah, Connor's Mom You can follow the rest of his treatment here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorrequena And pray for him daily.
It is a reminder of a friends dad who has already lived longer than his stated odds. That is living his life to treasure each moment. He smiles every chance he gets, rides his motorcycle when he's able and cherishes his time with his family. Keeping the faith in our Lord above.
It is a reminder that eventually I'll have to visit the funeral home again because of cancer until the cure is found.
It is a reminder of medical terms and brain mets. Out of town visitors and meaningful time with family. Hospice rooms and final goodbyes.
It is a reminder of the deadly disease that stole my dad, Tammy's mom, Andrea's mom, Heather's dad, so many, too many.
But is also a reminder of HOPE.
Two minutes before my alarm sounded this morning I received a text from my baby brother: "The emotional weekend begins. Love ya sis!" Tonight I relay, tomorrow he golfs in memory of Gary, and Sunday is Father's Day. The second year I will not buy a golf shirt and golf balls. Emotional is an understatement.
With tears in my eyes, I hope for a cure. I hope that each day I make my Dad smile down at me at least once. I hope that those that are battling find comfort in His promises to us. I hope that the survivors know how proud I am of them.
It is both a day that I anticipate and dread.
It is a reminder that people win the fight! The survivor lap is proof. All cancer survivors take a lap together and wear a different colored shirt in honor of their fight. When they take their lap so many thoughts flood my mind. I think about walking over to my friends workplace to give her a prayer shawl and how beautiful she looked that day despite her fears. Tears start to form as I think about the time that I stopped by Heidi's house and she opened the door without her wig on. It makes me smile to think of when Cheryl and Jess realized at bunco that they endured treatment together so many years ago and joked about how they look much different with hair and color in their skin! How difficult it must have been for Jess to move away when her Dad was still completing his treatment regimen. I vividly remember when Amy called to tell me that Danny had lung cancer. I wish Amanda didn't have the scars to prove she's a survivor. I wish Matt didn't have to have a Happy Cancer Day! I think about how they fought so hard and won! Through the treatments, the hair loss, the damaged vocal chords, the tattooed eyebrows, the new boobies, the doctors appointments and so much more. I can't even fathom what it is going through their minds!
It is a reminder of sweet, handsome Connor who is currently fighting the dreaded C word. He is already a warrior and he's only 9! How his loving parents have to explain why and what is going on with his body. "He's had good days and bad days. Mouth sores, nerve pain and nausea. There was about ten days straight that I think he threw up at least once a day." -Sarah, Connor's Mom You can follow the rest of his treatment here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/connorrequena And pray for him daily.
It is a reminder of a friends dad who has already lived longer than his stated odds. That is living his life to treasure each moment. He smiles every chance he gets, rides his motorcycle when he's able and cherishes his time with his family. Keeping the faith in our Lord above.
It is a reminder that eventually I'll have to visit the funeral home again because of cancer until the cure is found.
It is a reminder of medical terms and brain mets. Out of town visitors and meaningful time with family. Hospice rooms and final goodbyes.
It is a reminder of the deadly disease that stole my dad, Tammy's mom, Andrea's mom, Heather's dad, so many, too many.
But is also a reminder of HOPE.
Two minutes before my alarm sounded this morning I received a text from my baby brother: "The emotional weekend begins. Love ya sis!" Tonight I relay, tomorrow he golfs in memory of Gary, and Sunday is Father's Day. The second year I will not buy a golf shirt and golf balls. Emotional is an understatement.
With tears in my eyes, I hope for a cure. I hope that each day I make my Dad smile down at me at least once. I hope that those that are battling find comfort in His promises to us. I hope that the survivors know how proud I am of them.
I hope for a cure.
It's relay day. Remember. Love. Hope.
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