Day 2: I’m Alive! Got Tissues?

Who needs an alarm clock on the ?

When its time to get up and get going, you know it! Activity all around the camp… shuffling, talking, potty doors slamming… must be morning. Although, I did have a backup plan in case I overslept. I had my niece call me at 6:00 AM to make sure I was still alive.

I got dressed, stuffed my matted hair, not even a hairbrush could save, under my hat, and proceeded to the dining tent. 

After a wonderful breakfast fit for visiting royalty, Megan and I were ready to get out there and kick some Westside asphalt for the cure! We headed up for our “Rosie hug”, cheers, high-fives, and to get scanned out of camp. (You get scanned in and out of camp. That’s how they keep track of everyone.)

The 3-Day, for sure, is a well-oiled machine. Safety and security for all the volunteers is of upmost importance.

It was a beautiful day… no rain in the forecast! We were going to do about another 22 miles today through more of Westlake, Lakewood and Rocky River. I felt great. I was alert, well rested, and charged up…ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Well, at least make it up and down the curbs without requiring a paramedic.

Today, though I was unaware at that moment, the essence of this event was going to hit me… the reason we were on this journey, the people along the way who would touch our hearts, and who would show us how much we touched theirs.  This was going to be the heart and soul of what it means be a part of saving lives and giving hope for a lifetime without cancer.

So, hang out with us, enjoy the pictures, watch the videos, and shed a tear or two with us. Who knows, maybe I will see you walking with us next year!

On the way out of camp, one of our best cheerleaders, Jerry, motivated us with his booming voice and words of praise and support. He was awesome! You couldn’t miss him, and you wouldn’t want to. His enthusiasm and sincerity was remarkable.  He was like hearing Billy Graham at a revival meeting -- so inspiring!

I wish I knew his story, and what motivated him to do what he does at these events.  I will have to make it a point to find out more about him if he volunteers next year.

It didn’t take long during our walk that day for the voices of breast cancer to reach us. There was a man, with his children at his side, handing out water and ribbons, asking us to remember his wife who he had lost to breast cancer this past year. Seeing the children as they held up baskets of ribbons and candy, starring into our sweaty faces, and no doubt wishing their mom were there. I strongly believe she was there… cheering us on, and embracing her family.

In a front yard, on a shady residential street, there stood a table. No one was out there to greet us, but on the table was a framed photograph of a young woman, a story of her brief life, and a tub of ice and cold water for us to drink. The family’s pain must have been too raw to meet with us face to face. I know full well
the consuming pain of losing a child, and understand how incredibly hard it is
to face that pain head on. Still they wanted to show us their support!

Thankfully, the stories aren’t all bleak. There was a family giving out snacks, drinks, and popsicles, and the children shouted, “Thank you for saving our mommy!” as mom hugged us and cheered us on with tears in her eyes. 

There were people and moments like these throughout the journey that day, fueling us and giving us the strength and courage to press on. 

Time seemed to glide by. The pirates entertained us along the way (apparently they weren't a figment of my imagination). We rocked with the Elvises (also real…well, real impersonators), walked through sprinklers, and waved at the sweep vans driving by to check on us.

The sweep vans are rescue vehicles armed with supplies, and volunteers offering assistance and a ride if the walkers were in distress. We were well fed, well served and most thoroughly blessed.

We returned to camp back in Westlake that day with a renewed spirit, and a
sense of duty and honor to get up another day and do it all again!

Well, that’s all I have for now.  Please check in with me and read about day 3.  Enjoy  the following videos, please!

http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=videos_2

http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Videos&s_oo=xVNRVTWDu47ALWNcHZmhww&s_tlid=2013784

Megan, Denise, and Kris… this is a Pink Passion blog, so please comment, and add your stories. 

Smiles to you,

Betty