Running for a Cause

This weekend was a fabulous and very busy weekend, my daughter graduated from High School on Saturday, yikes! And yes I am feeling old, but other than old I am feeling extremely proud of her accomplishment.  I was very busy getting everything ready for her and as always those last minute tweaks always needed as you are trying to walk out the door to make it on time.  We had a good time, went to dinner after and just smiled and enjoyed each other’s company as we celebrated this milestone. 

For those of you who don’t know, I work out with a group called The Dukes based out of Deltona, we exercise around the city in various parks and trails and it is a free.  Aside from exercising together, we also try to assist the community whenever possible.  The latest project was a 5K race scheduled for this past Sunday to raise funds for one of our team member’s mom who was recently diagnosed  with Stage 4 Bladder Cancer and is in need for funds for medication.

Although excited, I was also a bit anxious and unsure of what the turnout was going to be.  There was rumbling of thunder as well but I said a little prayer and requested God to please move them out of our way.   When I arrived, my friend Trish and I went to the trail to place some signs we had prepared to encourage the participants in their run/walk.  By the time we got back to the parking lot, the place was full of people, more people than I would have expected.  

The sky cleared up and the weather was perfect, we began the race with a prayer and some words of encouragement to the family accompanied by some tears and off we went.  This race had nothing to do with personal records, being faster than the next guy or winning first place, it was a group of people coming together for a good cause.  We encouraged each other, high fived each other and smiled all the way to the finish line.  This was my 8 year old son’s first 5K and he was very excited to do it, my husband and daughter also participated making it the perfect race to date for me.  

We managed to raise $2,000 for our friend a number that just baffled me because I was not expecting it to be that much.  This goes to show the power of a few people coming together to help others.  Humanity showing their love and doing their part to help others is an amazing site to see and an overwhelming feeling to have. 

I encourage you to give your part to give to others, take some time from your busy schedules and give, whether it is your time or a little bit of money the feeling will fill you with joy.  Today I feel full of happiness for being able to help even just a little bit with the burdens that come along with this disease.  I am thankful that I serve a God who makes this possible.