I walk for HER, for ME, for YOU, and for THEM.

HER

is my mom, a powerful fighter whose love was authentic and bold, whose presence was soothing with the wisdom she shared, sweet like honey, and whose faith was unwavering. She bore many a title, but for ME, she was my mom and I was so fortunate to also know her as my friend. I am not sure what is more difficult, the notion of walking 60 miles in 3 days, or trying to write this small blurb about a woman who I could write a book about.

As a high schooler, I had the unique experience of attending the same school where my mom taught. Freshman year, all my friends had separate lunch periods, and I, the outgoing, outspoken person you all might know, found myself overwhelmed. On the first day, I grabbed my food and went straight to her classroom. As the year went on and I made new friends, I found myself still running to that room, not out of obligation, but because it was always my safe haven. I never understood why she kept all those ketchup packets or the little knick-knacks tucked away in her desk drawer, but somehow, no matter what I needed, whether it was a quiet moment, advice, sauce for my sandwich, or a place to feel secure, I could always find it in that room... I could always find it in her presence.

My mom fought breast cancer three times. The first two times, we were blessed with miracles, and we were able to share more years with her. The third time, she won the fight by leaving this earth and entering eternity, free from pain. Though I know she fought to stay with us, I take comfort in knowing she’s now part of the eternal praise party she always embraced. I walk for HER, but I too walk for ME— My.Existence. This walk, this journey, fuels me to continue and to be an example for others who are walking life’s hardest roads. I walk for YOU, knowing not everyone can commit to this cause, but I do, because others have walked for me. (Thank you Aunt Terry and Mama-Kathy, who unknowingly walked for me), and I walk for those who feel the weight of this fight and are struggling.

Lastly, I walk for THEM. I may not know who they are, but God does and you do too.

If you've read this far, I invite you to donate to this cause in honor of my mom or in memory of someone you love. Please share a memory of her, or the name of someone you’re donating for. I will carry these stories in my heart as I walk these miles and even  beyond that as I live this life. Thank you for your support. (P.S. I bawled my eyes out typing this.)