2012 3-Day Atlanta

“Once you choose hope, anything's possible.” ~Christopher Reeve

Team Angels of Hope

Well the 2012 3-Day has come and gone and it's been so long since I have posted. Life has been so busy...it's hard to try to find the time to write down all I have to say. The 3-Day for the Cure is such an amazing journey and I have enjoyed very step! I am blessed that God has given me this opportunity and a passion to spread His love, hope, and awareness to others through this cause. Above you will see a picture of my amazing team-mates...Team Angels of Hope! We all walked 60 Miles through Atlanta on October 19-21, and had a wonderful time. With help and prayers from friends and family like you, our team raised over $12,000 for research and breast awareness programs. I could have never dreamed that my solo journey two years ago would lead to this. It is my prayer that God blesses the money raised and it goes to those who need it and to getting us closer to that cure that He will reveal in His time. I just get so excited thinking about the 3-Day! It excites me to be with the people! It truly is a community of Hope and Kindness! Being a part of it blesses me more than I could ever tell you in words. It's an amazing feeling to serve others and to feel that you are a small part of something that is changing the world!

I will try to take you through the 3 days in pictures....

I began the journey a day early at Stone Mountain park. I was honored to have been selected to carry a honor flag in both the Opening and Closing Ceremony. The pictures above and below were taken at set up and rehearsal.

I was so excited the morning of the walk. Emily rode with me and my family. We meant Natalie at Opening Ceremony and later met up with Brenda and Judy. We met so many people!! I was so excited to meet and talk with Dr. Sherri!! She is the National Spokeswomen for the SGK 3-Day for the Cure. One truly inspiring woman!

Above is the sign in sheet!! Yep, there's my name near the top!! The flag that I was chosen to carry was the honor flag for the children.

Opening Ceremony was inspirational and amazing as always. It was even more special to me this year since I was in it and both my mom, dad, my husband, and sons were there. Having the team and leading them onto the route was so exciting. Walking with friends and making new ones on the journey too made it a little more easier this year. Last year, as I walked I longed for each cheering station because I needed to see my family for a boost to keep me going. This year, I had the energy of my team the entire route and my family at the cheering stations. I have to thank you, for your prayers and support too! Knowing I had friends and family praying for my every step kept me going! I loved getting your encouragement from Facebook too. Thanks for the posts and likes!!

“The longest journey begins with a single step.” ~ Lao Tsu

I just love these girls!! Me, Emily, & Natalie

Pit Stop #1 was a little over 3 miles into Day 1 and the first cheering station was right outside of the Stone Mountain Park. Pit Stops are where you can stop, go to the restroom, have a snack, stretch, fill up on water, and get medical attention if needed. The Pit Stops all have fun themes and the first one was a Fire Station. At Pit 1 we met up with Brenda....well she found us because of my wings! ;) She also introduced us to Judy and her tent-mate Su who became honorary angels on our team!

“The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose.” ~ Charles Dickens

I love you, Mom!

Before we knew it 20 miles was done and we were at camp setting up and decorating our tents.

Well, there it is (above)! Our home-away-from-home for 2 nights anyway. The past two years, camp has been in the Georgia World Congress Center. You may wonder about the floor....well, after 20 miles a day you just want to rest, it doesn't matter how you rest, ha ha! If you notice inside the tent we had an air mattress. Last year, I had a sleeping bag and pad. I recommend the air mattress!! We decorated our tents with our angel wings and photo's of our loved ones, both friends and family.

On to Day 2!

To me, Day 2 is the hardest. It's long, you don't get to your first cheering station till after lunch, and did I say it was a long? Again, it was much easier this year sharing the experience with friends!

The morning are always cold and by the last cheering station we were handing Mom jackets and shirts. It's always best to layer during the 3-Day!

“He who limps is still walking.” ~ Joan Rivers

Last year at this cheering station I was in tears fearful that I would not be able to finish! This year, I was feeling great! Here's a picture of the team with Momma! This is my boy's favorite cheering stations because it's next to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Of course they ate there while they waited on us! Again, sharing the journey with friends blessed me so much more than you will ever know. I was selected to be a training walk leader this year and I met so many people on training walks. It was fun to see them along the route too. Everyone encourages each other and pushes each other to finish!

And then...40 miles was over! Last year, at this time I could hardly move, had a sore knee, and had many many blisters on my feet. This year, I was so much better prepared and better in shape. I finished with only one small blister this year! The soreness was still there....hey, you would be sore too after walking that long of a distance. But, again, it's all worth it to make people aware and in turn save lives and share hope.

At camp we have a camp post office. I love to receive mail from all of you. It is great to read those encouraging words at the end of a long day and be reminded why I walk. This year was extra special as Mrs. Jones' 3rd grade class wrote me post cards. I am so grateful to work at a wonderful school fill with amazing students and such a supportive staff! Thank you to all who wrote me!!

And then it was Day 3!

A couple of my girls felt that this was the hardest day for them. There was less talking and more focus on picking up each foot for every step.

Day 3 takes you through downtown Atlanta. You walk past many historical sites. It was also Worship in Pink Sunday in Atlanta so as many churches were dismissing you saw a lot of supporters in pink. Day 3 is very emotional. The last leg of the journey. Your body is physically ready to see Turner Field, but emotionally you don't want it to end. The last mile is the best! I can't fully describe the feeling you get when you turn the corner and take your first steps on the bridge crossing I-20. You see the Olympic Rings and the stadium in the back ground. Your eyes feel with tears of pride as you start to realize, yes, you just completed 60 miles. Yes, you raised a whole lot of money. Yes, there are so many kind and supportive people who prayed and helped you reach these goals. You remember why you are walking. You remember those who have lost their battles and you push on for those like Momma who won and for those who will fight in the future. Once you get to the Olympic Rings, it's just one big party! People are dancing in the streets, cheering you on, offering water and snacks. Simply Amazing!

Above is our tearful entrance to Turner Field. Friends and family are allowed in the first gate, but we must cross into the stadium and only walkers and crew are allowed in. Entering that gate you are greeted by Dr. Sherri, the crew, and walkers who arrived before you. There are so many hugs, tears, and a great feeling of excitement and accomplishment. They give you a rose and your completion t-shirt. Then you prepare for the Closing Ceremony as you cheer in other walkers that come behind you.

Such a proud moment pictured above! I am so proud of each person on my team for completing all 60 miles. Doing something you never thought you would be able to do is so incredible!! At Closing Ceremony walkers enter arm in arm in rows of 10 wide. I was a bit sad that I could not walk arm in arm with my girls, but once again I got to carry the children flag. This time my boys got to walk in with me and stand with me on the stage. Wesley carried a pink poster that all my students had signed their names on. So not only were my sons, Wesley and Graham with me, but my HMES Superstars were there in spirit!

Poor Graham was scared to death being on stage in front of so many people. He was also sad because Memaw and Granddaddy would have to go home too. He was happy that the stage manager gave him and key chain and then he asked me for keys to go on it!

As part of the Closing Ceremony walkers raise their shoes in honor of the survivors! I have so many little stories I could share, just not enough time to write it all. If you have never been a part of this event, you should. You can walk, crew, cheer, donate...let me know and I be glad to get you information so that you can be involved. Thanks again to all who made it possible for me to do this!! Thanks to God for carrying me every step of the way! Thanks to my husband and my boys for their love, support, and giving of their time too!