The Final Day - DAY 3!!!

The final day was here.  It was bitter sweet.  I was so glad to have had the honor to participate.  I had trained for a year and was sad that it was all about to be over.  However, my tired feet/knee was ready to be home.  I took good care of my feet and knee that night.  I believe that I was so tired, I had to have slept well.  When I woke up, I looked out side my tent and to the left were the transfer trucks that carried our bags and gear.  I never heard them enter the building, yep, I was so tired...I slept through those truck right outside my tent.  I got up and got ready, packed my bags, loaded the truck, and I even took down my own tent!  That was a real accomplishment for this non-camper!!  My knee was feeling good too.  I ate my hot breakfast and got in line and began to stretch.  I was so excited about finishing and walking in to the closing ceremony.  I really felt refreshed and ready to take on the last 20 miles.

Day 3 was cold, but beautiful as we walked through several of Atlanta's parks.  Day 3 seemed to move so fast and I enjoyed every minute of it.  I was not too cold, nor wet, my knee was doing well and I couldn't feel my blisters at all.  Well, I don't really know if that's true...it may just be that I was so excited about Day 3 and filled with love and joy that I didn't feel the other things any more.  I got to see my family early that day.  There was a cheering station at 5 miles in to the route (unlike yesterday, when I didn't get to see them until mile 13).  I love cheering stations.  Day 3's stations were so alive!!  Today, people weren't handing out candy, instead, there were homemade cup cakes, brownies, and cookies.  The supporters went all out for Day 3! 

 At mile 10 we had a picnic lunch in the park and I got to see my family again. 

After leaving lunch, we continued our walk in the park.  Turning the corner there was a beautiful woman sitting in a chair sobbing.  Through her tears of joy, she blew kisses, gave hugs and told each walker "thank you for walking for me!"  She said, she couldn't wait to walk with us next year.  Again, another reason to walk...I will never forget her.

Thank you, supporters (those that I know and those that I do not) for making Day 3 so special!!  Another supporter that I enjoyed seeing was a man and he was dressed in a different costumes each day.  His signs and encouragement were very motivating.

"I don't know you, but you are my hero!"

I also got to stop by and visit at the Pink Firetruck.  These are men and women  who are firefighters and police that support the cause and travel all over to raise money and awareness.  I got to sign the firetruck with Momma's name and mine.

I signed right above the L in HEALS.

Before I knew it, I was at the final Pit Stop.  I walked out with a team that I had met earlier.  One of the guys on this team was also having knee issues.  He had offered me a knee brace.  He recognized me and stopped to ask how my knee was doing.  I walked the 3 miles with his team.  It was an amazing site to walk up to the bridge crossing over I-20 and to actual have Turner Field in view.  The day had warmed up and there was a nice breeze blowing as we crossed the bridge.  My eyes were filled with tears walking the home stretch to Turner Field.  I had made it!!  We were all celebrating as we crossed that bridge and the cross walk to the parking lot.  The crossing guard at this intersection had the best job!!  He got to celebrate with each walker as he led them acoss the final intersection and into the parking lot of Turner Field.  There were supporters there welcoming their loved ones and all the walkers.  There were walkers there that were not able to complete the full 60 miles cheering us on towards the field.  Supporters were no longer handing out food, now they had balloons and flowers.  I walked into the stadium and headed straight for the 60 miles complete sign with a great feeling of accomplishment.

The holding area was actually inside the stadium.  Only walkers and crew members were allowed inside.  It was an amazing feeling walking in.  At the gate was Dr. Phillips the spokes woman for the 3-Day and behind her were crew members and other walkers, screaming and cheering because we made it.  Each walker was presented with a completion t-shirt and a pink rose.  I walked in and sat in an empty stadium, thanking the Lord that I made it and for allowing me to have the experience.  Thanking Him for letting me make a difference and have a little part in helping to find a cure.  I changed my shirt and my shoes and then cheered on other fellow walkers until my family arrived.  This whole experience was truly amazing.  I wish that every one could feel what I felt that day. 

If you ever have a chance to experience the 3-Day in some way, whether it's walking, crewing, medical staff, attending one of the ceremonies, or a cheering station...you should!  I was told it would be life changing and it's true.  I am thankful for every step and blister.  I am thankful for crew and supporters like you.  My eyes were truly opened to a world of kindness, where caring and love rule.  The experience inspired me to continue the journey.  To do everything I can every day of my life to serve God and others, to show that same kindness, love, and encouragement that was shown to me.

The walk was complete!  I walked for us all!  On to the Closing Ceremony...