Well, I am writing this post to hold myself accountable. For 10 years now, I have had this thought in the back of my head that one day, I would do the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Rewind 10 years ago to my 9th grade Math Class. I have a distinct memory of my 9th grade math teacher, Ms. Powers, coming back after taking a few days off for a long weekend. She came back on Tuesday and told us to be extra nice to her that day because she walked 60 miles in the 3-Day Walk. I don't have a good memory, but for some reason I clearly remember thinking, "wow, that's amazing and one day I'm going to do that." Well, first I was too young, then I had no money to give, and now, here I am with no excuses. I am old enough. I have a job. I am going to do this walk. I am writing this down so that all of my loyal readers will hold me accountable.
That story sounds all good and sweet, but the real reason I want to do this walk is because of the most important person in my life. My mom. My mom has always been my hero, I just didn't realize it until I came to my senses/grew-up. And by coming to my senses I mean that I realized she was my hero once I got over the trauma and embarrassment she caused me every step of the way while I was growing up. Only now do I realize that the light-up musical Christmas sweaters, sequined Holly leaf shoes, fanny packs (yes...they are practical), and fake eyelashes at Halloween really showed my moms true colors (literally). She definitely came into my 5th grade class with those fake eyelashes and mouthed "I love you" to me across the room. At the time, I thought I was going to have to join a new family. Now, I can laugh at it and realize that my mom is my hero. My mom is more of a fighter than any boxer, wrestler, kung-fu, or karate chopper out there. She is fighting the worst of the worst.
She is fighting *%$%&*$#%^&* cancer.
(side note: In our family, all cursing, swearing, and expletives are allowed and welcomed when discussing cancer.)
Ok, back to my madre. My mom is punching this $%^&^^%$% cancer in the butt. She has been dealt some pretty shitty cards and she is playing her hand better than the best poker player in the world. She is in the process of receiving chemotherapy and radiation. This is her second go-round with the lovely, exhausting, hair-stealing thief called chemo. And it's her (what seems like) umpteenth time going through radiation. And you want to know what is most amazing? She still teaches her second grade class. As a teacher, I am 100% physically and emotionally exhausted at the end of almost everyday. But, my mom is superwoman and she does a Teacher of the Year worthy job while tackling %^**&%^ cancer. Not only is she a teacher, but she is a phenomenal mother, wonderful wife, great friend, annnnnndddd she still manages to take care of the financial side of the most elite hot dog restaurant in the world, Mike's Chicago Hot Dogs.
My mom is a wonderful friend, and in turn, she has some of the most amazing friends in the world. Friends who drop by just to check in, friends who volunteer in her class just to help, friends who sit through chemo appointments, friends who bring dinner, and friends who let her rant about %%&**^% cancer. Thank you from the bottom of MY heart to all of her amazing friends.
Ok, I think I've gotten side tracked by telling you how awesome my mom is. Back to that 3-Day walk. I want to do this walk for my mom. I think one of the harder things for the family members of people with %^&*&^% cancer is that you want to take away all their pain, fear, and hardships. But you can't. You're left on the sidelines feeling worthless (mother- I'm emotionally fine and I do not feel worthless). In my case...I drive my mom crazy by overprotecting. When I am with her I become "Nurse Abby" and at any sign of a strange sneeze or cough, we might as well be calling 911 if I'm around. Not exactly the best way of handling things, but I tell my mom all the time that she would do the same thing. So, in order for me to feel like I'm doing something, I think the 3-day walk could be a more positive way for me to channel my need to fix things/be in control. Am I going to fix it? No. Am I going to still be the overprotective Nurse Abby when I'm around? Yes.
I think this walk will be something to look forward to and a productive way for me to channel the overbearing Nurse Abby inside of me.
And if you're still reading....Here's the catch....I need walking friends! Old, young, men, women....join me on this adventure to support my mom in her trek to fight %^&* cancer. I will tell you up front that you have to raise $2,300 to participate. So if you don't think that's feasible, obviously I will still be your friend. We're only in the worst economic crisis we've ever had, right? But come October 21-23, 2011 I'd love to see your face cheering me along the route in Atlanta. Want to help me even more? Awesome! Click here and help donate to my personal fundraising page. Thank you in advance :)
Annnnd if you join me we get to stay in fun pink tents like these:
If my mom can tackle all the obstacles that have been thrown her way, I can walk 60 miles in 3 days and raise $2,300. People tell me I am becoming more and more like my mom, and let me tell you...I couldn't be more excited.
Love you, madre :)
-Abbs
