It seems like it takes longer for me to post blogs these days. The holiday season is already so crazy. We are caught up in the hustle and bustle of decorating our house, trimming the tree and buying more gifts than we should buy! I absolutely love Christmas and this year is more special than any in my past. Of course, everyone knows that I was sick last Christmas. I had chemo a few days before, so my memories of Christmas day last year are a little hazy. But, other than being well this season, I have my two little girls that are so excited and a little crazed when it comes to Christmas and the Big Man in the red suit! It is awesome to see the sparkle in their eyes and the pure innocence of believing in Santa. They are what this season is about. I am just trying to drink in every moment!
I have completed my walk. Our team went down to San Diego on November, 20th. Sherri, Dana and I took a chartered bus from Goleta to San Diego. Amy flew from Fresno to S.F. to San Diego and then took a shuttle to the hotel. If you knew Amy you would know what a huge deal that was! Go Girl!! Gail of course was in Hawaii! She flew in the night before our walk and got to the hotel room and 1 am! We had to be on the bus to the opening ceremonies by 5am! Let's just say she was a little tired!
Our first day started early, dark and cold. But, once the opening ceremonies started, we were ready to go! It is pretty overwhelming to see so many people out to support the same cause. I met so many amazing people throughout the course of 3 days. A lot of survivors and a lot of family members out to support their own walkers and also out to say thank you for walking because they lost someone to breast cancer. We couldn't go a half of a mile without someone cheering us on, playing some music, dancing for us, or giving us tequila shots! Really, it happened! The TaTa Tavern! I will never forget those gals! We also bonded with several San Jose policemen. They were down in SD for our walk. They had radios strapped to the back of their bikes and they would gather around us and dance and encourage us. They were great. There were also a bunch of bikers that were our crossing guards. Have you ever seen a biker in leather chaps and a pink tutu?
Some things I will never forget: The San Jose police, the 92 year old woman out to encourage us on her birthday b/c she is a survivor, Smile Guy and Little Grin, The TAG family, the 4 beautiful Ms. Young Survivors, the man with many hats, Billy, string cheese, the seagulls eating Amy's sandwich, the children's choir singing at the corner before we finished, Kate and Maggie, crossing the finish line with my team, walking in the sea of pink shirts during closing ceremonies.
Will I do it again? Probably. Next year? Not likely! I am losing my toenails and I injured my left foot, but you know what? It's better than cancer. And like the sign along the route said, "Blisters don't need chemo."
