Today, our family participated in our first organized walking event. It was a 5K sponsored by our local United Bank to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. It was a good day for a walk and a good cause to walk for.
The date turned out to be almost prophetic. Three months ago, to the day, I was rushing my Dad to the local hospital with severe chest pains. I doubt that I have ever been as frightened as I was that day. He had a significant heart attack. Early care helped to moderate the damage and with two stents, he began the road to recovery. Today, that road led 3.1 miles through Griffin, Georgia. I was so proud of him for completing the walk--he even made better time than we did!
Also, Dad reminded me that 31 years ago, to the day, my Mom learned that she had cervical cancer. At that time, none of us had ever met anyone who was a cancer survivor. I was in the 4th grade at the time, and she believed that there was no hope but to prolong the inevitable as long as possible. We called her after the walk to tell her we all made it. Arthritis prevented her from joining us. Modern medicine is miraculous--truly a gift from a loving God.
Before the walk, I received a special Mother's Day gift. Eddie replaced my fanny pack (that had been accidentally broken a few weeks back) with a much upgraded model that will be much better to carry on the 3-day. I carried it on the walk today and it was shockingly comfortable. I was able to carry 2 water bottles, my blister kit (Eddie included it with the gift), sunscreen lip balm, and my wig (swapped out for the ball cap which I wear when I walk). Plus, it had loads of room to spare. It is wrapped in thick padding and moisture wicking material. I am very grateful. It's a very highly rated model on about.com and much nicer than I probably would have bought for myself.
We had never really walked with our two boys (one with autism) where we expected them to keep a constant pace. Usually, hubby takes them on light day hikes. This was a bit more extreme, but I am so very proud to announce that we all made it! The boys were feeling the heat and stress by the end, but we came in with a very respectable 59 minutes. Not a fast pace, but a good, steady showing. I am proud.
The boys were thrilled that they got t-shirts and a cool water bottle from Truett's Grill. I won a door prize of a mini-facial that I am looking forward to using soon. I hope that this can be the first step toward getting us all more active and healthy. Even though the amounts that I will need to walk will vary in the weeks preceding my 3-day walk in October, I would like to see us have more time to walk together as a family. It beats the snot out of tv time!
When I got home, I received the nicest Mother's Day card from my best friend, Karen. It was so unexpected (and squishy) that I knew in an instant that the sentiment was legitimate. I am honored. What a good day!
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