Sunday, June 28, 2009

Relay For Life

Another Relay is over! This was a busy, but fun year. I decided to get more involved this year, so I took over the publicity chair position. I also ended out being on a team, Cancer Creamers. So, the last few months have been extremely busy, but it was worth it!

The day started off with a lot of rain and a lot of set up. By the time we were ready to have our Survivor Reception and Opening Ceremonies, the sun was up, and the rain was gone. We had a really nice turn out. The only glitch in the day was when Clay got called to work (he was suppose to take care of the kids for the night). But my in-laws gladly took the kids for me.

My favorite part of the Relay is the Luminary Ceremony. If you haven't ever been to Relay, this is where thy light the luminaries that are around the track. The luminaries are all in honor of or in memory of someone who has had cancer. They then have a small ceremony where they read all the names. Here are the luminaries that I made this year.



These are the sacks I made for my mom last year and recycled them.



This is my mother-in-law who had thyroid cancer about 9 years ago.



This is Bailey's little friend who has a brain tumor. The tumor recently returned and she is currently going through chemo.

My team had a pie throwing contest this year. It was really messy and a lot of fun. We got the President of one of our local banks to volunteer to get a pie in the face, he was a great sport. We also got the Rodeo Princess up there.






I think the hardest part of the event is the survivor lap. I listen to all the names read and watch as they make their way around the track. All I can think is "I wish my mom was one of them." Even though I get emotional throughout the event, it is a great time for me to talk about my mom, all we went through, and remember what a wonderful person she is.


I love you mom!

5 comments:

Joanie said...

OK.. that required tissues! What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and all of your hard work.
Hugs

Tricia said...

Great Job, Jerilyn!

Carter Family said...

Looks like it was a sucess!!

Melissa said...

You made me tear up too. What a wonderful thing to do in memory of your mom and also to help others with cancer. You are awesome!

Natalie said...

JERALYN, I was a neat post! You are such a great person and you are doing so much for your mom's cause, SHE WOULD BE PROUD!

I thought about you the whole time we were up there. I knew you were up in Star Valley somewhere. I told Scott I want to run away from Life and move up to your neck of the woods. It is BEAUTIFUL! So green and so slow paced. What little town do you live in? I would have loved to stop in and see you.

Yellowstone was beautiful and the kids were in heaven. My boys could camp for months on end and not get sick of it, me a few days and I was ready for a nice shower and a comfy bed.

Hope you are well, I would love to hear from you.