Sunday, October 11, 2009

A Good Cause...


Last year I had a good scare after a mammogram and had several months of tests and finally a biopsy to determine if I had breast cancer. My BFF also had a similar scare. It was a good eye opener and I am much more aware now. Since last year's RACE FOR THE CURE Kami and I had said we were going to do it this year.

A month or so ago- we got a reminder when my sis-in-law asked us if we wanted to walk with her in celebration of her good friend Cindy who has survived breast cancer a couple times and is currently undergoing Chemo AGAIN!!! Immediately, my goal to walk was reinforced. SIGN ME UP!

So, yesterday was the big day. Kami was up early and raring to go. We hauled our backsides downtown to join the crowds. Over 30,000 people- pretty impressive. Thanks to Kami we got lots of freebies (she's good at finding good "stuff"). We walked and walked and walked. Cindy was there with her whole family and lots of friends. There was no complaining. NONE. We took pictures of her with her friends and family but they are on Kami's camera- BUMMER!

Feels good to be a part of a good cause and to help find a cure.



We had a good time and saw some pretty funny things. It was funny how creative people got.
These girls were so cute!
And talk about a cheerleader!!! This guy was on the side of the road cheering us on and making us laugh!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Uplifted!



Yesterday I drove home in great anticipation to watch my recording of OPRAH- praying all the way that I had really set my DVR. Stephanie and Christian Nielson were going to be on the show and I was so anxious to watch.

For those of you that don't know Stephanie's story she and her husband were in a plane crash over a year ago. Long story cut VERY short- she was burned terribly and was in a drug induced coma for 3 months as she was treated for these burns. Her family stepped in and took care of her 4 young children while she and her husband healed. You can read more about it on her blog
http://http//nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Anyway, as I sat on the couch to watch her I was in awe. This woman is absolutely AMAZING! I have followed her blog for awhile now and have always felt like she was the perfect example of what motherhood should be. She takes time to enjoy the simple things and family truly comes first. She loves her husband SO much that it just oozes out of her. You can see it in their eyes as they gaze at each other and the words that she uses when she writes about him on her blog are always so respectful and tender.

I was motivated and uplifted by her and want to be a better person and appreciate the gifts that my Heavenly Father has given me and not take things for granted. I cried silent tears as I sat and watched her tell about her struggle with daily tasks. I don't feel it is an understatement that she looked beautiful on the show. Despite her scars she radiated love and beauty. Her eyes sparkled and she just glowed.

Even though they didn't bring up her religion you can see that her faith in God throughout this whole ordeal has been incredibly strong. Her family has been her greatest support. Following her blog and reading the struggles that she has had have humbled me. I doubt that I could handle the type of adversity that this woman has had to deal with. I guess our Heavenly Father knows how much we can handle. I just hope that I can continue to be mindful of all that I have been given.