A Thank You That Isn't Big Enough

I stumbled upon some information at the end of my work day today, information that had me fighting tears at my desk.

I logged into the 3-Day site this afternoon to change our team goal.  Now that we are a team of six I wanted our goal to reflect that we are attempting to raise over $15,000.00 this year.  While in my participant center I decided to check up on the top ten teams, as I wanted to let our group know how much we would need to raise to get back into the top ten.

I clicked on the tenth team on the list and quickly realized that I knew one of the women on the team.  She's in a small group with both my in-laws and my aunt and uncle.  I had no idea she was walking the 3-Day for the Cure.

It was when I clicked into her personal page that the tears started to burn at the back of my eyes.  There, for all of her donors to see: "I am walking in memory of Terry J, sister of a friend."

My mom.

I'm not going to lie, and I can't sugarcoat it.  Walking the 3-Day is freakin' hard.  There is nothing easy about raising at least $2,300.00 and walking 60 miles over the course of a three day weekend.  It is one of the most physically difficult things I have ever done, not to mention the emotional aspects of the experience.  

The fact that Barb is willing to make that commitment and take those steps all with my mother's name etched on her heart means more than I can possibly convey with my words.  That she is willing to endure blisters, porta-potties, pink tents and possibly pain while honoring the memory of a woman she didn't know well causes my heart to swell with gratitude.  

So Barb, thank you.  Thank you for your commitment.  Thank you for your hard work.  And thank you for remembering my mother, it means more to me than you'll ever know.