Going To My First RELAY FOR LIFE --- My UPDATE On How It Went! :)))))

CypressCynthia said:

I was apprehensive but I am
I was apprehensive but I am so glad that I went. Seeing people of every age struggling to make that lap was one of the most moving and inspiring things that I have ever seen. There was a tiny girl (about 3 or 4) struggling in a walker and teenagers with friends helping them around. It was hard not to cry but very cathartic somehow. My husband and daughter walked proudly in the caregiver lap and I was so proud. Geez, you have me crying all over again. Just do it--it will all be good!

BlownAway60 said:

Hope you enjoy it. I did but
Hope you enjoy it. I did but was also a little aprehensive. We all have that fear of the unknown. I almost lost it while doing the survivors lap with everybody cheering for us.

Hugs

Donna

Emilyfimily said:

It'll turn out great, Ritzy!
I was excited but pretty scared at the same time for my first one, too, earlier this summer. But, I went anyway and was so glad I did and so glad I walked to Survivors Lap! It really was so cool to be included in the group of purple shirted Survivors and think, "yeah, I've really accomplished something!!" And it was so awesome and inspiring and encouraging to hear each Survivor state how long they've been a survivor, then step up to the mike and state my own Survivor statement, and then be able to walk that lap with all of them. I felt only good emotions, and just couldn't quit smiling the entire lap. It just felt gooooooood.
I still can't explain what I felt about the luminairia. I saw my own, I saw friends' and family members' who are battling and who have already passed,... I don't know, it just really hits you. It just made me want to fight harder, live stronger, and be more involved in the fight against cancer. It was emotional, but in a very good way.
You can do it!!

Ritzy said:

New Flower, you are so
New Flower, you are so sweet! You make me feel that if I don't go, that I won't be letting myself down, nor, all of you too, as I wanted to walk for you guys too.

You are all making me to really want to do it now. You are all so wonderful!

Thanks New Flower so much! Hey, did you take that job yet, or, are you still thinking about it? I wish you the best in that.

Sue

Ritzy said:

Oh My Goodness! It Was Amazing!
What an awesome experience the Relay For Life was! Being this was my 1st one since my bc diagnosis, I was so apprehensive, so nervous. But, it was GREAT!

Ok, let me tell you about the wonderful day and night! Got some time, a drink and snacks? lol We live in a small rural community with so many caring & wonderful people. This was the relay for the county, not just my town. So, it was bigger than I ever thought. It was almost like a carnival or a country fair atmosphere. They had lots of games, one was the throwing the ball at bowling pins and since my hubby is an ex pitcher, ofcourse he won, and, I got the biggest cutest teddy bear ever. And, guess what..it was PINK!!!

They had games and a petting zoo for the kids, and, even though I am not technically a kid anymore, I loved it too!

And, sooooooo many food stands! OMG! I ate so many corn dogs and drank so many lemon shake ups that I thought I would turn into a corn dog with a lemon shake up head on top! lol (looking in mirror again just to make sure..whew...still just me lol)

When it came time to walk the survivors lap, they played "Come to my Window" by Melissa Etheridge. As most of you know, she is a bc survivor too, and, I really love that song. Then, there was a moment of silence, and then there was this loud drowning of applause for the survivors walking. My hubby grabbed my arm so tightly and helped me to walk it. With my other hand, I carried the names of all of you, my CSN sisters. Remember Cats' Toy had written all of our names down on her expressions page. I printed that off and held in my hand, praying to God that he always protect each and every one of you!

Later that night, the luminaries were lit. I can't describe how truly soul searching and touching it was to see all of them lit up. So many names.... When we got to my luminary, we paused, my hubby, our friends and our family members. I couldn't hold back the tears. It was so emotional seeing my name on one of them. While we stood there, I noticed my hubby reaching in his pocket and pulling out what looked like a prescription bottle. I was thinking..why is he taking his meds now? He touched my tear streaked face & in his very deep voice said " You are a survivor..You are my survivor". Then, I heard a little pop and he had opened the medicine bottle and out flew, you guessed it....Lightning Bugs!!! If any of you read my post, OMG I Love Lightning Bugs, you will understand how this really touched my heart. I think at that very moment, I truly realized what a magical experience this day and night had been and so thankful that I went.

I am sorry this post is so long. I could write so much more, but, I have to stop somewhere. lol

So, to my sweet CSN sisters, you were ALL with me, in my pocket to start with, then in my hand, and, always and forever in my heart!

Love you all,,

Sue

chenheart said:

Well, well, well! This was
Well, well, well! This was the post I had been holding my breath waiting to read! I am going to say something brilliant like, "Told you so!" and isn't it wonderful that all of us who encourged you to experience the Relay were sooo right?

It was everything and more, obviously! And the Lightning Bugs!!! Oh Ritzy! You have simply got to change your avatar! LOL

Congratulations! I am so happy it filled your heart and was a positive, albeit emotional event for you and your darling husband!Thank you for sharing the day with us, and for carrying us with you!

Hugs,
Chen♥