The 2011 Weekend Has Arrived....

So, here I am, 2 sleeps away from what I can only describe as a life changing event for me.  The Toronto 2011 Weekend to End Women's Cancers Walk.

I signed up for this walk almost 1 year ago.  I knew that this was a commitment, I just wasn't prepared for how it would change me as a person.  I wasn't prepared for how many people would give so openly to my endeavour. And I wasn't prepared for how much this would become a part of who I am.

Our dear Becky, who was so happy that I was doing this in her honour, has now become my guiding light through the end of my journey.  Bittersweet is all I can say this weekend will be.  I know that I am a part of something huge, and something good, and something worth fighting for.... I don't really need to explain the rest, right?

I look at Becky with great admiration.  She lived her life with love in her heart - and she proved to all of us that truly, this is the glue that bonds lives together. 

I have so many people to thank for helping me get to this point; and I'll do my very best to list all of you...

Carrie B.
Lindsay A.
Heidi M.
Charlotte B.
Jeff and Alana P.
Scott T.
Teresa B.
Zvonko H.
Norfolk Fighting 3/4
Madeleine S.
Grete K.
Juliann D.
Ron L.
Rachelle and John S.
Jen who works with Jacquie
Neighbours who donated to my bottle drive
Friends and Neighbours who donated to rummage sale
People who attended our Think Pink Tea
Everyone who baked and volunteered for the Tea
People who came to our Rummage Sale for a Cause
Tranquility Place Retirement Home Bottle Drive
St. James Anglican Church
Paris Presbyterian Church
Rebecca and Joel
Stephanie
Crystal
Louise
Cheryl
Jamie
Nicole and Jonathon
Kim and Devan
Auntie Marilyn
Sharon and Garry
Tasha, Mark and Eric
Umma and Boppa
Oma and Opa
Aunt Mary and Uncle Paul
Jane and Justin
Sherry and Michael
Shirley, Michael and Joshua
Jacquie, Chad, Madi and Caiden
Mom and Ronnie
Laurie, Eric, Nyk, Hali and Dayna
Kim and Steve
Peter and Dorothy
Becky and Greg
Craig, Liam, Marek and Camryn xo

If I've forgotten to list anyone, please accept my apologies; but just know that I am forever grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, for the generosity of my donors, and for the giving spirit of my neighbours and community.

I am a better person for taking on this challenge.... I have gained more perspective and have found a greater appreciation for the people I am surrounded with.  I will not take life for granted ever again.  We are here for such a short time; we need to enjoy the life we have and seek out that which we deserve.  We need to fight for what we believe and stay strong for those who don't have the strength themselves.  We need to be selfless and not selfish.  We need to slow down and take in every single moment; because you just never know what's around the corner.

Thanks everyone.  My shoes are laced, my legs are limber, and my heart is ready to receive it all.  Wish me luck.... I'll meet you at the finish line ;)