Relay For Life

Several months ago I was asked by two friends to participate in two different American Cancer Society Relays for Life (this week I was asked to participate in another) plus to send a picture of my self to my cousin Karen Ellington to display at the Hilmar Relay for life. (Sorry Karen I messed up on the picture).
Yesterday was the first one that was asked to participate in. It was held at Union Middle School. As we gathered for the opening ceremonies. I notice a luminary with a familiar name of Martha Hall. I knew she was going through chemo. I looked a little to my right and there was Martha. She spotted me and I went over to her and we visited a little bit. They start the relay by inviting all cancer survives to walk a lap the track, then they ask the caregivers to walk a lap. As I was walking the survivor lap I saw a good friend from work Shaun Kershman. I had forgotten that he lives in the area.
One of the other things that happens during the walk is the luminary lap. One of the ways to support the walk is to purchase a luminary in someones honor. They use white bags with sand to weight them down. Everyone gathers and quietly walks around the track and as they walk someone drops in large glow sticks that light the luminary. I joined the end of the group and looked at the luminary. It is quite sobering to see all the people that have been touched by cancer.
I'm not sure what I was expecting the cancer walk to be like but it was a wonderful experience. I so appreciate the honor to go and witness and participate in it. There is sadness at the loss. Joy at survival and even bonding and friendship made. I met several people who knew my doctors and was able to discuss our experiences with cancer. It had a very festive feel also. I would invite any of you who would like to experience some of this that I have shared with you to go to Leland High School next weekend. It starts at 10:00 am Saturday and goes to 10:00 am Sunday. There will also be booths that will sell food and other things if you would like. I am looking forward to next weekend. Come join us.

The First Week Is Over

Last Monday was my first day back to work since October 26th of last year. Monday was pretty rough but it got easier as the week progressed. It was fun trying to log on since all the passwords had expired.

Yesterday was the Ward Easter Celebration at a park. It was a fun event and a lot of people came. It was interesting when it started. Not all the food was there when it started and there was some concern there would be enough. When I finally got in line to get my food, some were going for seconds there was enough for me to serve myself.  It was a modern loaves and fishes miracle. It was so nice to be able to feel up to going yesterday.

I Have Survived Two Days

This past weekend was the churches semi-annual conference. It does happen to be 2 days but conference is not something you have to survive. It was a wonderful conference. In October I felt that so many messages were just for me. This one I felt had important messages to me also but not as many of them were as specific as the October talks.

The title refers to the fact that I returned to work yesterday and I actually survived and I went back today. Although it was a lot harder getting up this morning then yesterday. I received lots of hugs and welcome backs yesterday it was so nice and appreciated.

While I was at work the cinnamon roll fairy came by and made a delivery (thanks Nancy Jensen)