Saturday, April 23, 2011

A Touchstone of Blessing & Love

One week ago today, 17 folks in my circle bravely gathered on one of the colder rainy April mornings of late and walked over three miles for no other reason than to make a public statement that they love and care for me. WOW On my darkest days I will remember their generous giving of time and body heat as well as the generous donations from family from across the country as well as the many emails and phone from well-wishers. With a nod to Sally Fields, 
"you love me, you really love me!"
The occasion was the MS Walk 2011 and our part was TeamJanine. With 16 Members, several donors and many rooters behind the scenes.



Team members were: Sasha pushing Kaylee, next to Carol, my Mom Mary, Karin, Becky. Laura (w/ sign), Leone w/ her granddaughter Alyssa, In matching blue caps & the first to cross the finish line, Reen & Ted, next to them, my hubbie, John, next to him, our Dad, Dan. In the front, me in my wheelchair holding the team mascot Sophie next to my pops Rick and his dog Mojo. And, Janet who took the picture.
Here are some other images from the day:

Janet, Mary, Laura, Me and Sophie-All smiles before the walk and the rain

Sasha, Laura, & I share a smile with Kaylee

Kaylee, the youngest walker at 20 months, returns snug and warm! I believe our oldest walker is in their late 70s quite a range of ages!

My friend Carol might win the the award for wettest hat

Clam chowder to warm up the tired walkers: Sasha, Kaylee, Carol, & John


Leone & Alyssa return
Thank you Laura for walking, on top of working a full day, and caring for a sick kiddo! Thirty plus years of friendship-You're the best!


Rick you deserve the team spirit and purple awards. And, I am buying you a raincoat for Christmas!






And to my Aunts and Cousin who so generously made donations to the MS Society. TeamJanine raised $490. 

What a marvelous way to be reminded that so many people are willing to invest their time, energy, mind, and spirit in fighting MS and letting me know so clearly that I am valued and loved.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, 
Janine

2 comments:

Muffie said...

How great is that! My daughter organized a team and called them "Muffie's Myelin-a-tors." She pushed my year-old grandson and her friend pushed her year-old daughter as they walked in Dover, DE. My heart swelled in gratitude for their efforts.
Peace,
Muff

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I can see the fun in these pics! I remember those fun but weary MS walks. The memories of my kids starting the Walks since they had to be carried by me in the scooter. We all had fun, like yall did. Glad I saw this post, late.