Today I participated in a breast cancer walk. Pink is the signature
color for breast cancer and my sister, niece, kids and I walked along
wearing pink wigs, pink boas, and even pink eyelashes. About half-way
into the walk, I began to wonder the importance of why we were there.
What made me get up that morning and walk several miles and donate
money? I don't even like exercise, yet here I was, walking more than I
have walked in a very long time. My feet were hurting, the wig was
itching, and I was getting tired. My kids were hungry and walking very
slowly. Why did I put myself through this every year? Why didn't I
just stay home and sleep in on a cold, Sunday morning? As I was
wondering these things, I looked in front of me and saw a lady with a
name tag on her backpack that read, "Walking In Honor of ME". I
stopped in my tracks and realized why I was walking.

Even though I am healthy, one day I could be the one with that name
tag and it made me shiver. I again looked at the lady and realized why
I was there. I was walking in memory of my mom and to honor those who
are still fighting. If I ever do get cancer, I hope "they" will have
found a cure. I hope my financial contribution to walk helps lead to a
cure and my physical contribution of being there helps draw awareness.
I hope with all that I have that I don't get cancer, but if I do, I
hope my contributions have made a difference and there will be people
walking to honor me.

I am surprised by the impact that name tag had on me. I want a cure to
be found so that she will be back next year...and the year after...and
the year after that. Next year, when I get up early on a cold, Sunday
morning to walk, I will think of her and look for her and I will not
complain about being tired from walking or an itchy wig. I doubt I
will ever see her again, but I hope she is there with that same name
tag for many years to come. I will be thinking of her and hoping she
is beating this terrible disease.
Cindy Breninger
www.adayinthelifeofcindy.blogspot.com