Relay Recovery

It involves a lot of coffee.
I didn't know what to expect from Relay for Life because it was my first year going to one. When I first got there I saw tables set up in the middle of the arena where people were selling food and other things to help raise money and a bunch of people walking around checking things out. As it became closer for the ceremonies to begin, more family and friends showed up to support the walkers and Relay.
Survivors of Cancer were the first ones to walk a lap while everyone else stood on the sides clapping as they went sending out love and support. I couldn't help feeling sad as I wished Mom was walking with them but of course it was wonderful to see that people can survive Cancer and to see them walking was awesome! I walked during the caretakers lap with two of my girlfriends who also lost their mom to cancer each of us looking WAY too young to have had to take care of their mothers. It was emotional and rewarding at the same time. All those strangers standing there, no one knew my story but they have their own which probably doesn't very too much from my own. They knew our struggle and they were honoring it with their smiles, tears and applause. It was the first time I've ever "shared" something so personal with so many people under one roof. I think you would have to go to understand what I mean, it's hard to explain.
After the laps we stood by our Luminaries (white paper bags w/candle inside) that lined the track and we each lit ours when they said it was time. They had bags for in memory of or in Honor of and we put the persons name on it ourselves and could decorate it. I put a flower on mom's because she always doodled flowers...I would have put a cow on it but I'm not an artist. Mom loved cows. She was a teacher so it was always known amongst the kids and parents that she liked cows so over the years she collected many a cow figurine. They were all over our house:) She was a true southern farmer in heart from her love of sweet tea and sweet deserts all the way down to her bare feet digging into the garden soil.
A man played taps on the bagpipes as the candles flickered in the dark and we all thought of our loved ones. When the lights came on it was time to get back to selling soup and walking. Our team sold French onion soup that did pretty well thanks to the cold and rain. :) A DJ played music all night to keep us going and Elvis made an appearance around 2am dressed in an electrifying blue diamond studded jump suit. Elvis was missing his hair and height so if you've seen them kindly collect them and send it to him.
I noticed around 3am that my eyes were really having trouble focusing on things and they were pretty red when I looked in the mirror so I decided to lay down on the cot and try to rest for a few minutes. Before I knew it I woke up to hear the announcer say "Good Morning everyone it's 6 o'clock." I had somehow managed to sleep :) Most of my team stayed awake the whole night!! Suckers:) haha just kidding:)
What I learned about Relay for Life is that we really are raising money for a great cause. With some of the money raised they were able to start up a call center to answer questions about cancer as well as to be there when someone just needs to talk. What a great thing to do! I also saw for my self how Relay can bring hundreds of people together to celebrate those who have beat cancer, honor those who have passed on and to fight back so hopefully no one will have to experience Cancer ever again.
So be careful of what you eat, wear sunscreen, and visit your doctor. If you know someone who has or had cancer I encourage you to come out and be apart of Relay next year. Weather that means joining a team or just being there for support it's all very much appreciated. It shows you care and that's something special.