I just want to sincerely express my gratitude toward everyone who supported me emotionally, prayerfully, or financially with the 3-day. I would not be who I am today without all of my friends + family who love me so well. I was continually humbled and in awe of your generosity and how the money seemed to flow in at the absolute perfect times. Praise His name!
I found myself the night before the 3-day balling my eyes out with my incredible, genuine, loving best friend Toni. We weren’t able to participate in the “pre-game” due to massive amounts of dental hygiene homework that had to be completed and I was straight devastated. I honestly could NOT believe that I was entering one of the most life changing weekends of my life without even taking two seconds to process what was about to happen. I’m the kind of girl that likes to prepare her heart for something. I like to think, analyze, and maybe even over analyze a situation before I step into it.
4:30 am Friday morning was here before we knew it and we were up and ready to be embraced by our team, The Hopefuls! We had matching scarves, tutus, buttons, team shirts & even zip up fleece jackets embroidered. Talk about team unity. It was making my heart swell with happiness. This year our team was composed of veterans, rookies (including steph's husband!), and some ladies who really did not know what they were getting themselves in to… they just knew that the eradication of breast cancer and the honoring of Stephanie’s life was totally worth walking for.
November 4th was quite the brisk morning in Plano. As my team filed out of our van, we were submersed in a sea of pink. Thousands of men and women gathered around one another in layers of clothing just waiting for the sun to peak over the horizon, which typically symbolizes that opening ceremonies are about to commence.
my momma walked this year too :)
[opening ceremonies 2011]
Although I wasn’t as prepared as I wanted to be, I knew that nothing could fully prepare me for how my heart would feel during opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 event. If you can recall, last year God granted Stephanie the opportunity to be standing in the survivor’s circle during the two ceremonies and this year God had Stephanie watching from above with the best view in the house. She totally deserves the best view.
opening ceremonies 2010: steph's in the black&pink
I can appreciate a good, steady routine and the 3day provides that for me. We walk about 2-3 miles, are welcomed into a pit stop with fans cheering us on, we scarf down snacks, refill our water bottles, take a quick bathroom break, and walk on. This routine continues throughout the 3 days. It definitely is much more than that, but I’d say that’s the foundation of it. Our team was spoiled rotten by two selfless women who kindly drove us around in a van && car. They put a little pep in our step by bringing us Starbucks drinks every morning and Sonic drinks every afternoon. They answered our calls saying, “hey, would you mind meeting us at pit stop 3 and taking some of our clothes? We’re getting toasty out here and would like to get rid of them”. Talk about servants. I think those ladies stored up some treasures in Heaven that weekend.
I really love talking, but I mostly loving listening. Walking for 8-10 hours per day provides lots of time for both. I turned my listening ears up for this weekend. I got to hear stories about Stephanie that I hadn’t heard before and I was fortunate enough to hear more stories of why people loved her and what she taught them. I was able to catch up with my breastie, Toni, who I hadn’t seen since September! I was lucky enough to meet new friends and introduce myself to unfamiliar faces that all believe passionately in the same thing I do. There’s such a strong, unspoken bond between everyone on the walk – it is simply magical.
I felt like there was an immense sense of pride in my team this year. We were stinkin’ proud to wear pink for Stephanie. We were honored to be the ones walking in her memory. We were proud to tell of her life and of her love for Jesus Christ. Above all, I was humbled that God chose me to be a part of this.
To be honest, I was a little selfish throughout the weekend. My tendency was to dwell on “she’s not here, breast cancer still takes lives every minute of every day” than “look at how far we’ve come in cancer research and Praise God for all the survivors”. Do not worry, my reason for walking and my determination to walk 60 miles never waivered not even for a second, but quite frankly I did not want to be walking for Stephanie – I wanted to be walking with Stephanie. Every time that feeling crept in, the Lord’s presence swept over me and realigned my perspective. What a sweet testament of how incredible Stephanie was that I wanted to be walking with her, but I owe it to the Lord, to Stephanie, to my team, and to myself to focus on His sovereignty. Although I may not understand all things on this side of Heaven, I am confident that in my confusion and frustration He brings peace and clarity.
The third and last day of the walk is by far the greatest and most emotional day of the walk. By the third day, your body is physically exhausted, your emotionally drained from all the memories you’ve recounted and tears you’ve cried, but for the most part – I think everyone is mentally pumped. The end is near. The eradication of breast cancer is too great of a feat to let anyone stand in between you and the finish line. The 3rd day is like the icing on the cake. It’s a fully day of laughing, hugging, taking photos, writing memories on your heart forever, being cheered on by the city of Dallas, and free candy at the cheer stations dispersed throughout the route (i mean really, who doesn't love free candy?).
[not pregnant, just camera & cell phone in vest pockets ;) ]
This year the 3rd day was extra special for team Hopefuls. Stephanie’s shoes from the walk last year were being passed around our team. There are no words – just a heart filled with Hope!
[kevin (stephanie's husband) & chris (her cousin)]
As time was winding down and closing ceremonies were approaching, I began the grieving process, just as I always do when anything I've anticipated comes to an end. I did not want it to be over, yet I knew it would all be a memory within hours. I didn't want to go back to my daily routine and I definitely did not get sucked back into the mundane of every day. I love each and every second with each person on my team and wish I could spend significantly more time with them. I love them for who they are and who they've created me to be. I want to fight against breast cancer and talk about the Lord's goodness with them forever.
Closing ceremonies always wraps the weekend up so eloquently. My eyes were full of tears and my heart was pleading before the throne for there to be a cure! The 3 days that I look forward to the other 362 days of the year were here and gone in a flash. The Lord moved mountains in my heart this weekend. It opened up old wounds and the Lord softly stitched them back together. He daily continues to show me why I believe in the cure, why choosing to trust Him ultimately brings me the most joy, and why His plan is perfect.
Dallas-Ft. Worth 3day, I will see you again. I have high expectations of more survivors, more advancements in breast cancer research, more supporters, more love, and more hope.
[closing ceremonies 2011]
My hope is in You, Lord
all the day long, I won't be shaken by drought or storm
a peace that passes understanding is my song
and I sing my hope is in you, Lord
I wait for You and my soul finds rest
in my selfishness, You show me grace
I worship You and my heart cries "Glory
Hallelujah, Father, You're here!"
- Aaron Shust
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