We decorated our 'campsite' with ribbons of hope . . . my friends Joyce and Bob Hillmer constructed the flags based on my brainy idea and I think it turned out quite nice.
We also made some small pins with the colors of cancer. My niece Tena, Manny and CeCe staked out a table near the track to sell them and once they felt that the sales weren't going strong enough, they ventured out onto the track and ended up selling $60 worth of them!!!
It started to storm around 7:30 so they announced that we all had to go into the cafeteria until the storm passed. They opened a part of the gym so we could continue walking. We were all quite happy when they announced that we could once again go back out. They quickly placed the luminarias around the track, turned off all the lights and lite them. The scene was enormously moving and I felt my Mother's spirit right there with me.
Unfortunately it started to rain once more but with my soul refreshed I donned my rain gear and Ipod and together with Krista Tippett (NPR-Speaking of Faith) I walked through the night until I was freezing. I went back to the campsite but found that all three of the tents were soaked so I decided cuddle up by the campfire in the only dry blanket I could find. I can imagine the sight I must of looked like when Ron May came to claim me the next morning for breakfast!!
So far our team raised over $1500. A special thank you to Gregg, Carrie & Ben, Manny & CeCe, Christie & Kent, Jerry, Bob & Joyce Hillmer, Jan Kohlmann, Anne Weiland, Ron & Karen May, Meg Watson and all our friends and family who supported us through the night.
Jack was right; this event was so moving -- it's been a long time since I felt close enough to 'talk' to my Mother and let her know that I love her and that I miss her.
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