My friend Dave and I about to cross the finish line...
and no, no one told me how amazingly awful my hair
was thanks to the wind on Bayshore...
I had a great time at this event chatting with friends and getting a beautiful three mile walk on Bayshore in before brunch. We got to catch up on what's been going on and met some nice people along the way. I wish I could tell you that this event was all fun and laughter for me, but I can't. When I arrived at the Forum to begin the walk I couldn't help but notice the t-shirts and signs that were worn and carried by families who have lost a child in the very early stages of life. It seemed that everywhere I turned there were photos of infants and toddlers who had lost thier battle with one thing or another. Signs with "in memory of," "you will always be my baby," etc. This was heart-breaking. As a woman, a wife, and a one-day-mommy, I gained a new appreciation for this community, organization, and what they do to increase the chances of every baby that is born. I've been very lucky (or blessed, however you cut it - my life has been good) in my 27 years to have seen very little suffering and death in my immeadiate circle of friends and family, so seeing others walking in memory of someone who just didn't get a chance at life really shook me.
A lot of people make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. I am not any different. I pledged that each month I would seek out an opportunity to help others and educate myself in needs of those around me. I am so glad that for the month of April I chose to participate in the March for Babies -I really enjoyed seeing our community pull together in support of such a great cause. In thinking back, I want to thank my co-worker Liz who put the idea out there for me to dontae my time and effort to this cause and to Jessica who invited me to join her team. Also a BIG thanks to Michelle, Donna, Liz, and Rachel who donated and helped me surpass my goal by $70! My link is still open, so if you care to donate, please do - every dollar counts! Call it an epiphany, awakening, or a reality check but not everyone who is born gets the chance to grow as old as you are right now. What a sobering thought.
I promise my next post will be a little more cheerful - but don't get me wrong, as solemn as some of the reality may be, events like this are what show that there is hope in this world... we just need to raise awareness and be willing to give - give our time, share resources, and most importantly give of ourselves.
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