Birthday Relay

On the eve of Julia's birthday, we attended our local Relay for Life event. It seemed such a suitable way to kick off her birthday weekend.  The theme of Relay this year is "Celebrating More Birthdays" and we are about to celebrate one more. 

 There were fun games set up and the kids jumped right in to the action.

 It rained on and off all afternoon, but it all goes on despite the weather.  It all seemed very symbolic to me.  The journey through cancer is like that.  There are moments of clouds when everything seems to be bearing down, times of downpour when everything seems to be falling apart, and moments of sunshine when HOPE springs a new and laughter floats easily.  You have to learn to carry on through all of them, running forward with HOPE.  That is exactly what was happening.

The rain had a powerful impact in forcing people to seek shelters under others tents.  From those moments came conversations and opportunities to touch the lives of strangers.  We ended up spending a long time under the popcorn tent talking to a sweet couple and their kids.  They had this simple game set up to pass the time where you swing a ring and try to get it on a small hook.  Carter was hooked :) He played for over an hour and came so close to getting it.  I love the way he swung his leg each time to encourage the ring to swing!  

Julia was very excited to be participating because after our last event she understands all the activities.  When they called all the survivors up to recognize them and start the Survivor's Lap, she looked at me with a smile and shining eyes and said, "Mom, all these people are beating cancer just like me!"

It was an emotional lap, watching her bubbly joy and seeing all the other families, friends, and supporters lining the track.  In those few moments I am overwhelmed by how far we've come and how Julia's health has been restored in such an amazing way.  God has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams.  

We walk to celebrate the victories in Julia's life thus far and the gift she is in our lives. We walk to remember all the courageous angels that have gone one before us.  And we walk to honor those who are fighting right now.  Some fighting just to live one more day here with us.  Vinny, Ellie, Lily, and Kate we are storming the gates of heaven in prayer for all of you.  We will never give up this fight.  We will carry the HOPE forward one step at a time.