Well, this was it....this was the weekend that had been marked on my calendar for months, the Walk for Alzheimer's. In years past, the thought had crossed my mind that it would probably be a good thing to do, but like so many other things in my life that I think are good things to do, ie: exercise, lose weight, clean out the basement or the garage, I tend to put them on the back burner. Kinda like Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind....I'll think about that tomorrow. But this year I didn't put it on the back burner, I wanted and needed to do it.
Like many, I went to the Alzheimer's Website, found the weekend that was scheduled for my home-town and with determination added my name to the list to be a team leader. Now it began. Sending out e-mails to friends & family members, bravely adding the information to donate on this blog, adding it to my facebook page...anyway I could think of to get the word out that I was attempting to raise money for this fight against this disease that took my sweetie far too early in our lives.
I can say with great humbleness that I raised over $4,000 to this cause. I am blessed to have so many friends that responded to this plea, friends that I had not seen for many years, you, my internet friends who I have never met, my friends that I see regularly and my family. All so very generous. My heart was filled to over-flowing when the monies kept coming in. And to the 15 of us that walked yesterday, honoring all of those affected by this devastating disease, another feeling of gratitude that somehow words just cannot express.
The walk began at the North Central College football field....
We put on our T-shirts and wrist-bands
We all were given Memory Flowers, each color representing
Purple - One who had passed away from Alzheimer's
Yellow - One who has a loved one with Alzheimer's
Orange - Supporting the Alzheimer's Foundation
Green - One who currently has Alzheimer's
After the opening ceremonies, the 3 mile walk began. It was a beautiful day, temps in the upper 60's, clear blue skies with a few puffy clouds, a perfect day for walking. Along with my family, several friends walked with us, supporting TEAM GARY. There were 15 of us walking together and before we knew it, the Walk was over.
Besides having alot of my family at the walk and many friends, the bonus was having my two children together long enough to take a picture.
Lane left this morning on an early flight to LA, with a promise that he and his wife Nelly will be back at Thanksgiving which is only 67 days from today, but whose counting.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for those of you that donated to this most worthy cause.
"Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." ~ Sam N. Hampton
Until next time....
What a great weekend with beautiful weather to be together walking together for a great cause.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, a cause I support whole-heartedly! God bless and congrats on a job WELL done :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfectly beautiful day. Proud to have walked with Team Gary. Blessed to be able to support such an important cause.
ReplyDeleteSo glad the walk went well and love the picture of your children. Hugs and wishes for a good week!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful thing to do as a family, deanna. bless you all.
ReplyDeleteSending you a hug - glad it went well! Here's to a cure one day!!!
ReplyDeleteMy congratulations to you and all who supported you. I am glad Mother Nature cooperated and you were able to joyously fulfill this effort. {hugs to a dear and inspiring lady}
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Deanna! How wonderful that you had family and friends walking together. And I'm glad it was a beautiful day to walk. Bless you and Team Gary!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations- I am so happy for you and for your team mates who helped you raise money for such a good cause!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Deanna! It's so fantastic to see your family doing this walk together! And you'll see - Thanksgiving will be here in no time at all! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteDeanna, this is a wonderful thing to do as a family! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, as always.
*huggles*
Way to go! It's wonderful you were able to put together such a great team and raise money for this very important cause!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy so many people supported you with money and on the actual walk. And I'm especially happy for you that Lane was able to participate; I know that was special. Only Brie was missing but we understand why. Maybe another year.
ReplyDeleteGood for you and the team, Deanna! The flower idea is a great one - each flower tells a story. The day looks perfect.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great day for a walk and a lot of money was raised for a good cause always a good day. Good for you Deanna.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome cause, and looks as if you really did a very good job with your fundraising! Great shots, and your photo of your kids together is a great one. So great that you will all be together at thanksgiving.!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great accomplishment! It looks like it was a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteThat is a significant sum you raise! I know it did your heart good (in more ways than one) to complete the walk. Congrats. So nice to have your kids there.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!!! that is an amazing amount of money raised!!! I subscribe to the Alzheimers newsletter, I WILL walk next year. Congrats Deanna...i'm only sorry money has to be raised for this dreaded disease.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a beautiful day for the walk and that you were able to raise $4,000. Great way to spend the day with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had your family there to support you, and what a great amount of money raised!! xo
ReplyDeleteHI Deana Great pictures of a worthwhile walk and wonderful to have both your children there.
ReplyDeleteAfter my Summer break I’m catching up with you and just read about your weal and woe. A lot happened in your life! Cinder is for certain a highlight, she’s so cute and a lovely companion for Toby & you.
ReplyDeleteI hope life smile upon you again, my friend.
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ReplyDeleteVery impressive weekend and glad you had such stunning weather-I've know several Mom's of friends and one Aunt that suffered from A's, what a lovely event to participate in...
ReplyDeleteWell done Deanna!!!! Well done!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant well done to you all....
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect day for a worthy cause. And good for you for collecting so much.
ReplyDeleteHugs~