Relay for Life

Hannah and I went to Relay for Life at EIU for 4 hours tonight. I wanted to support Hannah and the team she was a part of. I had no idea the impact it would have on me. I was able to hold back the sobs as survivors walked the first lap and their families joined them. It was awesome to see people that came through such a difficult ordeal. I held back tears as several survivors gave testimonies of their long journeys. However, I lost it when we lit bags with names of people to honor that surrounded the gym. I bought one for Angela Taylor, who went home to be with the Lord, and Hannah bought one for my Grandma Lowery, who survived cancer. I cried tears of sorrow for the many I lost to cancer this last year. I cried tears of joy for those I know who have survived. I am thankful for my sister grabbing my hand as we walked silently around the gym. Together we remembered. Tonight I saw hope, joy, pain, sorrow, and determination on the faces of many of the walkers. It was the first time I have participated, but it won't be the last!