We left MI on Mon. morning and flew to Milwaukee so Bob could have some r & r on the golf course. Our son met us, as well as our friends from S.D., to play golf and to support me in the Chicago 3-Day. I spent at least 1/2 a day doing laundry and encouraging my body to recover as quickly as possible!

On our way to Kenosha, where the walk was to begin, we stopped at the Jelly Belly factory and then went to lunch. At lunch we met Allison, who was going to walk for her sister who is a 2-year survivor with a 5-week-old baby. That is a happy story.

Thurs. night when we arrived at our hotel room, my daughter Ronda surprised me. I had no idea she was coming, so I was delighted.

The weather in general was overcast, drizzly, rainy and cool enough for comfortable walking (part of the time was comfortable!) The walkers spent Sat night at a school site for a big slumber party because of the weather reports, which proved to be correct!

I saw Barbara, who I met 2 years ago, at the Jelly Belly factory. She was volunteering and I was excited to see her again. I have made so many wonderful connections in the years that I have been walking around the country.

Sandy, who is walking in the Avon events and her family found me at lunch on Fri. Their car was all decorated and they drove around honking and supporting all of the walkers. They energized the crowd. Thanks Sandy and Jack and Eric.

I had the opportunity to talk with Josh who was walking in memory of his wife who passed away just 3 months ago at 33 years old. His friend from N.Y was walking with him and they both might do the SF walk in Oct. I hope to see them then.

I spent a lot of time on Sat. walking with Deborah Douglas, who is walking in all 10 of the events. We had a lot of laughs and it helped to get through the 23-mile day.

It was great fun walking into the holding area at the end of Sun. with Bob, Ronda and David while we were carrying our Team California sign. The kids were overwhelmed with the reception from all of the other walkers. There was a huge line or "tunnel of love" to walk through---bigger than any other city so far. I know there are so many memories to write about, but I don't want to make this too long! So, based on my usual evaluation of the walk, since my body and feet came through o.k. The walk was great!

Mon a.m.

We didn't get home until 3 a.m. because of a 2-hour delay in our flight. But when we arrived home there were balloons all over the house, roses, and candy kisses spelling out "We love you" and "You Rock"! So along with David and Ronda walking with me, Bob being with me, and my welcome home, it reminds me that the most important thing in my life is family and I am most grateful and appreciative of that.

Again, I thank you for taking the time to read this and for sharing this journey with me.

Barbara Jo

Team California

I walk because I can't walk away