This weekend was, as usual, blessed and ordained by God. Friday night, I joined with six other women from my employer, along with others from the greater Kansas City area in the fight against cancer. I participated in my first (but hopefully not last or only) Relay for Life. This is one of the flagship fundraising events for the American Cancer Society. It's an all-night, 12-hour walk, with the goal being to have a member of each team walking on the track at all times. The seven of us set up camp, had tons of food, played games, and walked our little heinies off. There were numerous other teams there as well. None of us from our team had ever participated in this event before. I think I speak for all of us and say it was a powerful, impactful, and moving experience we all hope to do again. We each probably walked at least 3 or 4 hours. And we are so grateful to have participated.
Yes, I was a very sleepy girl by the time I got back home at 6 o'clock Saturday morning. I was awake for more than 24 hours, with the exception of a 20-minute nap about 3 o'clock in the morning. The event included a very moving luminary ceremony in which candles in paper bags line the track and are lit. Each bag and candle has the name of someone that is or has battled cancer being honored, supported, or memorialized, a visible tribute by loved ones. Other moving moments included hearing the stories of survivors and those that have fought cancer.
These events occur throughout the country and year. I am nervous but honored as I have been asked to speak at another Relay for Life event this coming Friday night. I will share the story of Nathan and me, from my perspective as a caregiver. It was very humbling to be asked. I covet your prayers that God will be able to use this opportunity He's presented me. I don't want to get in His way.
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