Are Your Legs Tired? Aching Perhaps? Mine Are..lol I Did My 2nd Relay For Life!

Ritzy
Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
edited May 2013 in Breast Cancer #1

Yep I did!  For those of you that don't remember, I did my first Relay For Life in 2010.  I was scared to do it, as, I was afraid it would drag up a bunch of bad memories and I thought, for some reason, that it might be depressing.  Go figure!  It was the most enlightening experience I've ever had!  Well, not ever had, but, it is right up there!  So this year, I had so many friends and family that were urging me to do it again AND I was asked to speak there. Speak?  ME?  In front of everyone?  Yikes! 

I decided that I would, I would go to the Relay and I would also speak.  So, I'd been preparing my speech, nothing all gloomy, just some facts and what I'd been through, a couple of funny stories and talked of the cure.  Like how there is life after cancer, but, so much more needs to be done to find a cure.  I had been asked to briefly tell of my journey with bc, which I did.  While I was telling about the surgery, the rads, all of the tests we still have to endure, how unfortunately we always fear it might come back, you could hear sniffles in the crowd.  I was right next to the crowd, so, you could hear everything.  Almost all of them were wearing Survivor tshirts.  It really struck me, at that moment, how truly embedded we all are, those of us that have had bc.  Our closeness, our bond, has always reminded me of the bond that men and women share that are in the military and go to war.  Perhaps no one outside can really understand, but man can the ones that have been through it get it. 

The weather was awesome!  It couldn't have been a nicer day. 

I did take all of you with me!  Yessiree!  I did!  Cat's Toy, awhile back, had written all of your names down and I printed off what she had written and added the ones that weren't on there.  So see, you were all with me.  I carried all of you in my pockets!  I hope you didn't get too scrunched up!  lol

The Survivor's Lap was emotional again.  Everyone applauding, the proud survivors taking that special lap just for them.  My husband was holding me tight again for fear, I think, that I might crumble, but, I did great.  I had family members there and over 40 friends that walked with me.  It gave me strength and made me so happy to have my loved ones with me on that very important lap. 

Then the luminaries at night....  Beautiful in their own way, yet, sad knowing that with each one comes a cancer survivor.  I think when they find a cure for cancer we need to take all of the luminaries in the world and make a big bonfire of them, kind of like they do on Survivor with past contestants.  It was emotional, it was soul touching.

Well, that's it.  Actually I could write more, but, I think I've written my limit.  lol 

I enjoyed having all of you pinkies with me this past weekend for the Relay For Life!  I love all of you!

Love, Sue

Smiley heart 121.gif

 

Comments

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #2
    We love you too Sue!  Thanks

    We love you too Sue!  Thanks for walking for us and for taking all of us with you, even if it was a little warm being stuffed in your pockets.  lol 

    I've always said that someday I hope the only way you'll know about cancer is in the history books!  That'd be great!

    I know the luminaries ceremony is really emotional, but, it is such a huge part of the Relay.

    I am glad you went and very proud of you for giving a speech.  I don't think I could have done it.

    Hugs, Lex

     

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #3
    Alexis F said:

    We love you too Sue!  Thanks

    We love you too Sue!  Thanks for walking for us and for taking all of us with you, even if it was a little warm being stuffed in your pockets.  lol 

    I've always said that someday I hope the only way you'll know about cancer is in the history books!  That'd be great!

    I know the luminaries ceremony is really emotional, but, it is such a huge part of the Relay.

    I am glad you went and very proud of you for giving a speech.  I don't think I could have done it.

    Hugs, Lex

     

    I was going to have a tshirt

    I was going to have a tshirt made for us that had all of the pinkies names on it, but, I forgot to do it until it was too late.  Darn it!  My mind just isn't the same as it used to be.  lol 

    Love what you wrote about cancer only being in history books.  Maybe someday..maybe  I doubt in my lifetime though.

    I bet you could Lex.  I think speaking in front of pink sisters makes a huge difference in how you feel.  It's like talking in front of family! 

    Sue :)

    Smiley heart 119.gif
  • JJDS
    JJDS Member Posts: 258
    #4
    Ritzy said:

    I was going to have a tshirt

    I was going to have a tshirt made for us that had all of the pinkies names on it, but, I forgot to do it until it was too late.  Darn it!  My mind just isn't the same as it used to be.  lol 

    Love what you wrote about cancer only being in history books.  Maybe someday..maybe  I doubt in my lifetime though.

    I bet you could Lex.  I think speaking in front of pink sisters makes a huge difference in how you feel.  It's like talking in front of family! 

    Sue :)

    Smiley heart 119.gif
    I think it's great that you

    I think it's great that you did this Ritzy.  I haven't been to one yet.  I've thought about it, but, was just never sure how I would feel once I got there.

    Thanks for going,

    JJ

  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #5
    Ritzy said:

    I was going to have a tshirt

    I was going to have a tshirt made for us that had all of the pinkies names on it, but, I forgot to do it until it was too late.  Darn it!  My mind just isn't the same as it used to be.  lol 

    Love what you wrote about cancer only being in history books.  Maybe someday..maybe  I doubt in my lifetime though.

    I bet you could Lex.  I think speaking in front of pink sisters makes a huge difference in how you feel.  It's like talking in front of family! 

    Sue :)

    Smiley heart 119.gif
    So you are the culprit for my

    So you are the culprit for my being so tired today.  How dare you!  LOL  I am proud of you for going again.  I do remember how difficult a time you had making up your mind for your first one.  See, it was great, wasn't it?

    It's so great that you could speak also, as, that's what we all need.  We need to hear success stories and of survivors living a good and full life.

    We've got ours coming up, but, I don't think I will go. 

    You weren't scared at all talking?  I probably would have had to take a nerve pill.  LOL

    Thanks Sue,

    Kylez

  • Jean 0609
    Jean 0609 Member Posts: 2,462
    #6
    You Go Ritzy!

    Thank you for doing this.

     

    xoxo,

    Jean

     

  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #7
    Ritzy said:

    I was going to have a tshirt

    I was going to have a tshirt made for us that had all of the pinkies names on it, but, I forgot to do it until it was too late.  Darn it!  My mind just isn't the same as it used to be.  lol 

    Love what you wrote about cancer only being in history books.  Maybe someday..maybe  I doubt in my lifetime though.

    I bet you could Lex.  I think speaking in front of pink sisters makes a huge difference in how you feel.  It's like talking in front of family! 

    Sue :)

    Smiley heart 119.gif
    I admire you for doing this

    I admire you for doing this Ritzy!  It is such a wonderful event and it's great that so many participate in it.

    You weren't even a little bit scared?  Undecided

    Thanks!

     

     

     

     

  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #8
    Ritzy said:

    I was going to have a tshirt

    I was going to have a tshirt made for us that had all of the pinkies names on it, but, I forgot to do it until it was too late.  Darn it!  My mind just isn't the same as it used to be.  lol 

    Love what you wrote about cancer only being in history books.  Maybe someday..maybe  I doubt in my lifetime though.

    I bet you could Lex.  I think speaking in front of pink sisters makes a huge difference in how you feel.  It's like talking in front of family! 

    Sue :)

    Smiley heart 119.gif
    stupid computer

    double posted

     

     

     

     

  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #9
    Ritzy said:

    I was going to have a tshirt

    I was going to have a tshirt made for us that had all of the pinkies names on it, but, I forgot to do it until it was too late.  Darn it!  My mind just isn't the same as it used to be.  lol 

    Love what you wrote about cancer only being in history books.  Maybe someday..maybe  I doubt in my lifetime though.

    I bet you could Lex.  I think speaking in front of pink sisters makes a huge difference in how you feel.  It's like talking in front of family! 

    Sue :)

    Smiley heart 119.gif
    and it did it again

    sorry

     

     

     

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #10
    JJDS said:

    I think it's great that you

    I think it's great that you did this Ritzy.  I haven't been to one yet.  I've thought about it, but, was just never sure how I would feel once I got there.

    Thanks for going,

    JJ

    I felt exactly the same way

    I felt exactly the same way JJDS.  I was scared for whatever reason to go, but, after I got there, for my first one, I was soooooo glad that I went.  And this time was even better!

    But, if you really don't want to go, then don't.  There may and there may not come a time when you want to.  No one says we ever have to participate or even go to a Relay.  If you do ever go, I bet you'll love it!

    Sue :)

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #11
    Kylez said:

    So you are the culprit for my

    So you are the culprit for my being so tired today.  How dare you!  LOL  I am proud of you for going again.  I do remember how difficult a time you had making up your mind for your first one.  See, it was great, wasn't it?

    It's so great that you could speak also, as, that's what we all need.  We need to hear success stories and of survivors living a good and full life.

    We've got ours coming up, but, I don't think I will go. 

    You weren't scared at all talking?  I probably would have had to take a nerve pill.  LOL

    Thanks Sue,

    Kylez

    Yes Kylez, it is my fault. 

    Yes Kylez, it is my fault.  lol  Hearing the stories of the bravery, hope and encouragement were so inspiring.  I stood in awe of so many of the survivor's stories.  They applauded after my speech, so, I guess I did ok.  lol

    Sue :)

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #12
    Angie2U said:

    I admire you for doing this

    I admire you for doing this Ritzy!  It is such a wonderful event and it's great that so many participate in it.

    You weren't even a little bit scared?  Undecided

    Thanks!

     

     

     

     

    I never said I wasn't scared,

    I never said I wasn't scared, as I was, but, I was determined to do it, and, having so many friends and family there really helped.  I was really humbled and honored to even be asked. 

    Sue :)

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #13
    Jean 0609 said:

    You Go Ritzy!

    Thank you for doing this.

     

    xoxo,

    Jean

     

    I'd do anything for my

    I'd do anything for my pinkies Jean!!!!!

    Sue :)

  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    #14
    Ritzy

    Thank you for doing this and taking us all with you. Now I know why is was having such a hard time at yoga today. I have not done a Relay yet but maybe this year. In just about 2 weeks I will be doing our Heaven Can Wait 5K for the 3rd time. This is to help support our local cancer groups. I too hope that soon cancer will be only a memory.

    Hugs,

    Georgia

  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #15
    ladyg said:

    Ritzy

    Thank you for doing this and taking us all with you. Now I know why is was having such a hard time at yoga today. I have not done a Relay yet but maybe this year. In just about 2 weeks I will be doing our Heaven Can Wait 5K for the 3rd time. This is to help support our local cancer groups. I too hope that soon cancer will be only a memory.

    Hugs,

    Georgia

    How are your legs today Ritzy?

    Love this post!  Thank you Ritzy!

  • JJDS
    JJDS Member Posts: 258
    #16
    Ritzy said:

    I felt exactly the same way

    I felt exactly the same way JJDS.  I was scared for whatever reason to go, but, after I got there, for my first one, I was soooooo glad that I went.  And this time was even better!

    But, if you really don't want to go, then don't.  There may and there may not come a time when you want to.  No one says we ever have to participate or even go to a Relay.  If you do ever go, I bet you'll love it!

    Sue :)

    Thanks Ritzy!  Sometimes I

    Thanks Ritzy!  Sometimes I feel like I am being forced to participate and I am just not ready to do it yet.  Glad you went and had a good time.

    JJ

  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #17
    Jean 0609 said:

    You Go Ritzy!

    Thank you for doing this.

     

    xoxo,

    Jean

     

    Thanks Ritzy!  What a day you

    Thanks Ritzy!  What a day you had!  Your speech must have been powerful. 

  • Lynne P
    Lynne P Member Posts: 165
    #18
    Noel said:

    Thanks Ritzy!  What a day you

    Thanks Ritzy!  What a day you had!  Your speech must have been powerful. 

    Thank you!

    Thank you!

  • JJDS
    JJDS Member Posts: 258
    #19
    Ritzy said:

    I'd do anything for my

    I'd do anything for my pinkies Jean!!!!!

    Sue :)

     Thanks for walking and

     Thanks for walking and taking us with you.

    JJ

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