As I begin writing this journal, it is Monday morning after the AZ. walk.  The weather prediction for today (Upland, CA) is about 92 degrees--that seems pretty warm, even for CA., for Nov.! 

 

Since I felt that I needed to have all day Mon. to get my 'act ready', I did not stay for closing ceremonies.  So after I completed the walk, received my t-shirt, and said some goodbyes, we just got in the car and drove home.  It is a little of a let-down to do it that way--the closing ceremonies are such a peak experience and a special ending to great weekend.

 

 

It seemed easier to just get in the car and leave for the AZ. walk.  I certainly felt less organized and was throwing things into the car.  It is different than flying to every event and having to pack in the duffle only what is necessary.  We met my brother in law and sister in law for lunch in Goodyear AZ, so that was a great start to the weekend.

 

The walk route was much more enjoyable to me than last year.  It is always fun meeting people from all over; previous walks, other years, and other cities.  I especially like when they remind me when/where we met! T

 

I talked to Dr. Deb (Douglas) while I was on the route; what I meant was that I talked to her on the phone, since she lives in TX.  She is the author of the recently published "Foot Soldiers" book, which is the story of survivors that she interviewed in 2004, the year she walked all 10 of the Breast Cancer 3Day walks. That year I walked in 9 of the events and we became dear friends.

 

I talked with Linda from SD, her sister Michelle from AZ, and her daughter Shana.  They were all crewing the lunch stop and Linda will be walking in SD next week.  I met Linda many years ago.  She is a 10 yr. survivor, I think of ovarian cancer.  I think she has participated in 11 events! Go girl!

I spent time talking with Marcia from NJ.  She has a bubbling personality, and she like walking my pace.

 

At dinner I spoke with Michelle.  She had flown in from Monterey, CA to do this walk.  She is the mother of 2 yo. children.  She was walking for her friend who had just been re-diagnosed.  We both had tears as she shared the story of her friend.

 

One young woman's mother is a long time survivor.  She just lost one sister to breast cancer, and she has another sister who is a survivor.  With that history she chose to have an elective double mastectomy and hysterectomy.  What a big decision to make when you are in your early 30's.

 

Another woman survivor said that her 6 sisters were all in a 'sisters' research study.  There is definitely a lot of research going on.

 

Michelle was dressed as a 50's waitress.  She had a group of 4 women that were all decked out cheering for the walkers.  She recognized me because she had bought bracelets from me last year or the year before.  She even remembered that we sat at dinner and had spaghetti together! 

 

I spoke with Rose who is a 4 yr. survivor.  She was saying that her 9 yr. old son had a hard time when she left for the weekend to do the walk.  I am sure that he remembers when she was diagnosed and was hospitalized when he was just 5 yrs. old.  She teases and jokes about having one boob.  It's all about attitude!  She could give us all a few lessons. 

 

I actually ended up walking with Gary from SD for all 3 days.  I think we connected some time on Fri morning.  He is walking next week end in SD, so this will be his first back to back walks.  He usually walks about a 12 1/2 minute mile, so he really had to slow his pace to stay with me.  I don't think I have ever had anyone walk with me for 3 days, unless it was family.  We talked about everything from family to jobs to canning peaches, and raising ducks.  I did have the opportunity to meet part of his family that were there cheering him on.  Thanks for sharing so many miles with me. Congratulations on your commitment to the breast cancer cause.  What a great tribute to your sister, who is a survivor.

 

Guess what I am doing?  That's right!  Doing laundry and repacking for SD! 

 

I am looking forward to the SD walk.  Not only is it the last walk for the year, but it will be my 70th long distance walk for breast cancer.

 

Remember to do your regular self exams and annual mammograms and remind all of the women in your life to do the same.

 

Hugs,