The Heart of My Family...

My blog is about my 3-Day journey honoring my Mother.  Since today is Father's Day, I thought I would tell you about the heart of my family, the man who has taken care of us and so many others.  My Mother wouldn't have made it through her battle with breast cancer if not for her heavenly father, her family and friends, and her husband, my dad, Jeff Sauls. 

Dad and Mom - Disney Spring 2011

Daddy is the glue that holds our family together.  He has always loved Mom and stood by her through everything.  Today, on Father's Day, I dedicate my blog post to someone I love very much, my Daddy.


Father's Eyes by Gary Chapman

I may not be every mother's dream for her little girl, and my face may not grace the mind of everyone in the world, but that's all right as long as I can have one wish I pray, when people look inside my life, I want to hear them say

Me and Daddy

She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes
Eyes that find the good in things
When good is not around
Eyes that find the source of help
When help just can't be found
Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain
Knowin' what you're going through,
and feeling it the same
Just like my Father's eyes
My Father's eyes
My Father's eyes
Just like my Father's eyes

And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done, good and bad they'll all be had to see by everyone, and when you're called to stand and tell just what you saw in me, more than anything I know, I want your words to be

She's got her Father's eyes, her Father's eyes
Eyes that find the good in things
When good is not around
Eyes that find the source of help
When help just can't be found
Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain
Knowin' what you're going through, and feeling it the same
Just like my Father's eyes

Me and Dad - Exit Youth Retreat 1998

You see, my Daddy is a very special man. He is many things to many people. I have shared about my Mom serving others, well, we all get it from my Dad. He is a son, husband, daddy, grandfather, minister of music, chaplain, retired firefighter/EMT/medic, and hospital employee.  I am sure that I have forgotten something.  But, most importantly he is a true servant of God.  He lives his life in service for others.  Always looking out and being there for everyone.  As you can see, his job(s) require it.  It is his calling and he has accepted it and is passionate about every job or task that he has been called to do.

Dad singing at church.

  

Daddy working at Talladega Motor Speedway.

Looking back over my Dad's life he has gone through so much with so many people.  He has cared for many through the church, the fire station, and the hospital.  He has been able to minister not just to my family, but to families in the Coates Bend Community, and North Alabama.  He has seen things in his life time that many will never see.  He has stood firm in the good times and the bad times always putting others first.  He is the strongest man I know.  At times when I have broken down, he is there supporting me, standing strong, and holding it all together.  Always with advice on how to make the situation better or helping me to see things in a different way.  How does he do it all you may wonder?  It is his faith that is set firm in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  My Daddy has his heavenly father's eyes.  God has given him the strength to get through it all and help others at the same time.  This is something that only God can give.  My Dad is just as the song above says.  He always "sees the good in things, when good is not around" and he will find or be "the source of help, when help just can't be found."  He is full of compassion and has seen many in pain and felt it too.  My Daddy is my hero and a hero to others too.  My prayer is that one day, I will have eyes just like my Daddy.  

Dad and Wesley taking photos in TN.

I have included several photos of Dad.  It is rare to have photos of him because he loves photography and is usually the one taking all the photos.  Actually, the other day, mom was telling him to get out the camera so she could take pictures of him with the boys.

Dad and Wes

Disney Spring 2011

Grandaddy, Memaw, and boys - Disney 2011

 
Daddy, I don't know what Mom, the boys, or I would do without you!  I am so thankful that God chose you to be my Daddy.  Thank you for always being there for me no matter what.  You have taught me more than you will ever know.  Thank you for being a Godly example to me and teaching me how to love and care for others.  Thank you for praying and taking care of my mother so that she could see me grow up. I love you!

Jeff Sauls

Happy Father's Day Daddy!  We all love you!

Gearing Up for the 3-Day

Last night, my boys and I attended a "Gearing Up for the 3-Day" meeting at REI.  If you haven't heard of REI, oh my...it is a very overwhelming camping store.  That's why my boys wanted to go.  They looked around the store while I attended the meeting.  Graham found a huge tent big enough for the whole family and proceed to tell a story of why we should buy this outrageous tent..."we could all fit, we can take 4 toys, we can take food and cheez-its, and one story book."

Anyway, my meeting was held in a back storage room with a sales rep/veteran walker.  This year's walk would be her 9th Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Walk.  Believe me, she knew everything.  Not only was the store overwhelming, but her knowledge of the walk was overwhelming.  Hearing her talked and give suggestions helped so much!!  I so enjoyed hearing her stories of the walks she had been on and how she was connected to breast cancer.  She was able to give great advice on how to back and what products worked for her.  She drew my attention to things that I had not thought about or prepared for (so glad that there is still time to prepare!).  She will be holding several more of these classes and I may go back to another one too.  Again, so much to take in...it didn't help that it was a 7:00pm class and by the time I got out it was around 9:00 and my boys were hungry.  We had a very nice dinner at a hometown pizza place.  I will be going back to use my REI discount and purchase some gear!  This meeting just made me that much more excited about walking in October and how important it is to train for the walk!

I have had several people donate since the last time I thanked my donors...

Thanks to my friend Marie Loyd Baker!!  Marie and I have been friends since high school.  We played flute together in the band and wind ensemble.  I have so many great memories of time spent with her.  She is such a sweet person!  Thanks, Marie for your donation and the many smiles and laughs we have shared throughout the years!

I would like to thank, Trixie and Eddie Wayne Comer.  They are my wonderful aunt and uncle (Momma's sister).  They have always been very special to me.  I'll never forget traveling to TX to visit them and Eddie Wayne taking me to Six Flags!  I love you both very much, thanks for always being there and supporting us!

I had 3 teacher friends that made donations...Kim Aldridge, Mandy Jones, and Jillian Reagin.  I honestly don't know what I would do without my teacher friends.  They are so supportive and are my family here in GA.  Kim and Mandy both teach with me at HMES and I taught with Jillian at LVES.  Jillian and I go to the same church and we both just shared an amazing week of VBS.  Thanks to you all for your love, support, and donation!

So far, I have raised $1555.00!  I never dreamed that the donations would come in as fast as they have!  I still have $745 to go to reach my goal!  I know I will get there by October.  If you would like to make a donation there are several ways to do so.  You can make an online donation (if you choose this option, there is also a payment plan available) or mail in a donation.  You can give your donation to me or my mother (if you write a check make it out to Susan G. Komen).  Or you may go to my official Susan G. Komen fundraiser page by clicking HERE.  Once you are on my fundraising page you can click the button button that says donate.  If you want to mail in a check, at the bottom of my fundraising page it says print a donation form.  You can print and fill out the form and mail in your check.  If you need a donation form you may see me or momma.  All donations are tax deductible.

If you are unable to give a donation, your prayers and support will mean a whole lot to me on my journey.  Please share my blog and my fundraiser page with your friends, family, or businesses that my be interested in donating.  I recently sent out my official emails.  If you got one, forward it on to those in your address book.  If you didn't get one send me your email address and I'll be glad to send one your way.

This journey is not possible without your support!  Remember no donation is too big or too small.  Thank you for making it possible for me to honor and celebrate my mother.  Together we are all helping to put an end to breast cancer!

Coming up....New Balance 5 mile and Stone Mountain 10 mile!  I am so excited for these training walks!!!

"When Pink Is Just A Color Again"

An inspiring song...get out your tissues!

In Her Own Words....Momma's Story

I wanted to give Momma a chance to share her story on my blog. A story of not just fighting cancer and winning, but a true testimony of reaching out and making a difference in the lives of others.  Through her struggle and pain she put all her faith in God and he provided!  God has truly blessed my family and given us all a serving heart.  Thank you Mom, for teaching me that it is more blessed to give than receive, not just in the good times, but in the bad times too.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

At the age of 29, I heard those words, "You have breast cancer."  My world seemed to be falling apart.  Breast cancer was not a disease that was known to be in my family.  I thought this was a disease for older women, not for younger ladies.  At that time, I was a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, a wife of 10 years, and had a beautiful five year old daughter.  Life was great and now i feared for my life.  I am a Christian and the fear was not of dying, but that of wanting to see my daughter grown up and to have more years with my husband.

I was working in home health PT when one day after work I found a lump in my left breast.  It was fluid filled and I could move it around.  For several days, I noticed the lump would go away during the night and would be back after I worked.  So, I thought I had pulled a muscle in lifting patients.  I called my Ob-Gyn and made an appointment.  I was still in child bearing years so the doctors thought it was an infection in my mammary glands.  After having the lump drained twice the decision was made to remove the collapsed cyst.  It was at that time the lump was tested to be benign, but underneath that area was more fluid-filled smaller cysts and underneath those was a single cyst that was malignant.  I had a fast growing enemy inside and if I had waited longer it would have spread throughout my body.  A left modified radical mastectomy was performed.  I did not have any lymph node involvement, so further treatment was not suggested.  I was blessed by my heavenly Father and led by Him to wonderful Doctors and with their help the right form of treatment was chosen.

A breast cancer survivor goes through many days of fear, being alone and the feeling of not being whole from the loss of her breast. In 1989, with the help of another breast cancer survivor, we organized and started the Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Support Organization. It was a place to talk with other survivors and to receive information about breast cancer.

It grew into a support group that continues today. Not only helping with my journey of breast cancer, but helping to reach, teach, and touch the lives of many other women on their journey through life during and after the diagnosis of breast cancer.

I am so thankful to God for so many blessings, 25 years cancer free, 35 years of marriage to my wonderful husband, Jeff, and living to see my beautiful daughter, Amy, grow up blessing me with a son-in-law, Scott, and two wonderful grandsons, Wesley and Graham.  The support of my parents and family has helped along this journey too.

It is very important for me to tell everyone I can the three import things to do:  breast self exams, visit your Doctor regularly, and get your mammogram regularly.  Life is short, I plan to follow God's will for my life, to love my family and friends, and to encourage others on their walk through breast cancer. 

"There is life after breast cancer."  ~ Debbie Sauls

New Balance - Training Walk Kick Off

On Saturday, May 14, I attend a Training Walk Kick Off in Alpharetta.  It was sponsored by New Balance.

This was a beginning walk to kick off participant's training for the 3-Day in October.  Special thanks to my boys for tagging along, even though the mall and stores weren't open yet, so sorry!  I really do appreciate their patience and support!!!

The morning started with registration.  During this process, they grouped us in waves so that there would not be large crowds on the streets.  (During the real walk, streets will be blocked of for the walkers.)  I was grouped in the Pink Wave which was first.  Our guide was very energetic and lead us in stretching before we began our 3 mile walk through the mall area.   We were all given directions and the course was marked clear in case we couldn't keep up with the guide. 

During our 3 mile journey I got to meet some of the people participating in the walk and here some of their stories.  Some were walking for the first time, while others had walked before.  Some were survivors, some were walking for loved ones, and some were walking with their company as a team.

It was really great to hear the stories from past participants.  It was also an encouraging and learning experience for me.  They gave me some tips on how to prepare, lots of talk about blisters, and what to expect during the 3-Days.  I am happy to say that I was able to stay with the guide for the entire 3 miles and felt that I could go farther.  I am looking forward to adding more miles this summer. 

When the walk was complete, we were invited into the New Balance Store to discuss socks, shoes, and foot care for the walk.  The store owner nicely gave a discount on all purchases for the 3-Day walkers.  Not only that, a portion of the sales go right back to Susan G. Komen.  New Balance is one of the 3-Day's biggest supporters.

I met with a salesman who measured my feet and did several tests on them using a computer.  It was neat to see my feet on the computer and find out where areas of stress were located and suggested shoes, socks, and inserts were given.  I then tried on several different types and styles of shoes to find the perfect shoe for my foot.  The sales rep said that I really needed to alternate two pairs of shoes during my training and continue during the walk.  Buying new shoes before the walk was not recommended, shoes need to be broken in.  I ended up purchasing two pairs of shoe and socks.

The shoe to the right was the #1 recommended shoe for my foot.  Both pairs that I purchased are really comfortable and I have been alternating them during my walking and my workouts since the purchase.

New Balance gave away several door prizes.  No, I was not lucky enough to win.  They also gave each participant a "goodie bag" for attending the event.  The photo below is my second pair of shoes and my New Balance bag. 

  
I am still so excited about walking the 3-Day and this event just make me that much more excited and ready to participate.  I am looking forward to more training walks and clinics.  In June, I will be attending a "how to pack" clinic.

Race for the Cure

Oh my have things been busy around here...so much going on to end the school year.  My family has had something every weekend from the beginning of March till now.  This is the first weekend that we haven't rushed off somewhere.  We are so looking forward to a relaxing summer.  Only one more week of school left!

Despite all the things going on, I have still been working toward training and raising money for the 3-Day.  On Saturday, May 7, I participated in the Komen Race for the Cure in Atlanta.  It was a 5k.  It was amazing to be in the presence of 17,000 people all running/jogging/walking to find a cure for breast cancer.  One thing this race taught me was that I need to find a place to train with more hills, running in downtown Atlanta was tough.  I have also been concentrating on my walking, instead of running, probably another reason for the struggle.

Though I struggled, it was really beautiful running through downtown with all the large building as the scenery.  I thought that I was going to have to run by myself, but at the last minute my parents came through, as always.  They drove up late the night before to care for my children so that my husband could run with me and then drove back home after the race.  We had a great time running and of course my kids loved being with their Grandparents. 

Wow, there are a lot of people behind me in the photo.  Here's another photo and yes, you read right...17,000 people.  It was so crowded at the starting line, I believe we had to walk the first 5 minutes, till the crowd thinned out a little.  In the photo above, I have my back to the starting line.  The photo below shows the people who were in line behind us.

Here's a photo that Scott took of us...the guy in between us makes me laugh!

I am so thankful that my husband and children have been so supportive of my 3-Day journey.  They have tagged along to many things, some to praticipate and others just to sit, wait, and watch.  Their encouragement and support keep me going!

As the race came to a close, there were people separating the participants as they were approaching the finish line.  Survivors to the right and everyone else to the left.  When crossing the finish line, I really just wanted to stop and watch the survior lane.  What an honor to witness those who have fought breast cancer and won - cross the finish line too.  As each survior crossed their name was called out and they were welcomed and celebrated by many watching at the finish line.

I was honored to Race for the Cure and in awe of those surviors who ran/walked/jogged as well.

All in all, this journey is in Celebration of my Mother and helping to find a cure for future generations.

I love you, Mom!  Happy Mother's Day!