Race for the cure.

This past Sunday my family and I participated in Phoenix's Race For the Cure. This is a event in downtown phoenix that races money for breast cancer awareness. Let me just tell you that this was a 5k walk. Now my friends Lindsey and I drove down and could not find a parking space anywhere so we ended up parking 1.5 miles away from the start line. We were running a little late so we decided that we needed to hurry. We threw all 4 kids in the two strollers and started to run. I am not kidding you, I thought I was going to die. It is one thing to run 1.5 miles but while you are pushing 2 toddlers it is not so easy! So by the time we got to the start line we were sweating and had to chug a huge bottle of water. We were now ready to start the race. By the way after walking 3.2 miles in the race walking back to our car was not any easier. We met some funny characters on the streets on downtown phoenix at we strolled back to our car.

We did this walk for the first time all together last year in celebration of a near and dear person. This wonderful woman is now a survivor of breast cancer. She is the strongest, bravest person that I know. She faces life's challenges head on and relies on her faith and family to get her through them.

It was so great to all be there again this year with more members of our family and friends with us. We walked together, standing strong against this horrible disease. We talked, we laughed, we even ate Krispy Kreme donuts (Thanks Kelly). My family does lots of things together, but we do not do anything like this. For one morning we gave of ourselves to help find a cure for breast cancer. We gave of ourselves to take a stand and show people how family comes together. Young and old were there that day. It was truly a day to remember. As we were getting ready for the walk I was loading the kids in the car and I said to Kate, "Do you know where we are going?" She says, "Grandma's walk." I said, "That is right Kate." She then says, "Because she is so strong and brave." As I held back the tears I said, "You are so right Kate." Now I had not told her why exactly we were walking, but I did tell her all the great things about her grandma and she remembered. She walked the whole way 3.2 miles (well almost) along with the other grandkids who were there-Connor, Abby, Maggie, Brody, and Logan. It was great to see not only us but our children as well taking part in such a great event. As we crossed the finish line we each tapped the banner and were renewed with the strength that we are so fortunate to have the blessed life that we have.

My mom is truly an inspiration to me. She does not like to be in the spotlight, but I just wanted her to know how much that I live her. She truly is an amazing woman and I am so thankful everyday that she is here with us. She is the person I run to in time if panic, doubt and joy. She has taught me to be the mother that I am today. As the chinese proverb says,"You can never truly appreciate the love of your parents until you raise children yourself." I have learned so much from my mom and I have such a deeper understanding of it all since I have had children. Thanks mom for always being there and for always showing me wisdom through your strength.

(The song that is playing right now is a song that we chose in a video we did for my parents and since then it always reminds me of her!)