Post #24 - They are Walking for Me...

They Are Walking for Me

This morning is quiet. Rick is at Breakfast Under the Bridge. The older kids are away at college. Sami is at a sleepover, and Johnny is still sleeping.

I’m sitting here with my coffee, working on my computer and checking things off my list of to-do's, bills, Grateful Heart orders, Our Pink Wish signs and thank yous and getting signs together for our first annual event. Just a quiet Sunday morning.... 

And then a text came through.

It was a picture of my amazingly thoughtful sister-in-law, Annette (who has the biggest heart!), along with my sweet nephew Connor and his adorable girlfriend, Taylor. They are participating in a breast cancer walk today, and they sent me pictures of themselves and the names of the people they are walking for.

My name was there. 
Along with Taylor’s mom who is an incredbly strong warrior. 
And I lost it. My emotions took over. 
They are walking for me.... For me.
I don’t even know how to explain what that feels like.

Sometimes I think I just keep moving forward. I've always been a busy-body and involved, but after my diagnosis, staying busy is even more important for me to stay distracted from worry that can settle in.  I stay busy with our family, work, Grateful Hearts, and now Our Pink Wish Foundation. And sometimes, in the middle of all of that, I almost forget that everything I'm working for and everyone I'm trying to help is because of my story too.  

I’m a breast cancer survivor now, and the truth is, I worry about my health in a way I never did before cancer. There are moments when those fears creep in, and there are other moments when life feels completely normal again. But then something like this happens.

Someone tells you they are walking for you.
They write your name down.
They carry your story with them.
And suddenly, it all comes rushing back.

I feel incredibly overwhelmed this morning, but in the most beautiful way. To know that Annette, Connor and Taylor got up this morning, showed up, and are walking with me in their hearts means more than I could ever put into words.

And after having this feeling this morning, and working on Our Pink Wish's 1st event, I can't help but think - this is exactly what it’s about.

I want another woman facing breast cancer to feel what I felt when I saw my name today.
To know that people are showing up for her.
Walking for her.
Supporting her.
Praying for her.
Reminding her that she is loved and that she does not have to walk this journey alone.

If Our Pink Wish can give even one woman and her family that same overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by love like I did this morning, then we are doing exactly what we set out to do.

Annette, Connor and Taylor - THANK YOU.
Thank you for walking today. Thank you for thinking of me. Thank you for putting my name there and reminding me that even though the hardest parts of journey are behind me, there are still people walking beside me.

Your love and support means more to me than you will ever know.

I love you. 🩷

Today, my heart is very, very full.