Today is a sad day. Today, for the first time since our team was formed, we had to move a name from the "In Honor Of" list to the "In Memory Of" list. Mindy McCann, age 40, lost her battle with breast cancer. She was a friend to our team mate, Jenny, at Trinity United Methodist Church. I didn't know her, but I do know she had young children. And because of breast cancer, she won't be here to see them grow up. And although her family and friends are hurting now, the hold that cancer had over Mindy's earthly body has been broken. No more pain and suffering for her. I pray that her family can take comfort in that.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33.

I pray a cure is found soon. I don't want another name to get moved.

I guess I'm not a natural-born blogger

since it's been well over a month since I've posted anything. I've thought about doing it many times, but somehow it always gets pushed to the back burner of my ever overflowing stove top. After I walked my first 10-miler with my team mate, Jenny, in a FREAKIN LIGHTNING STORM, I was going to post about how scared I was that we'd be struck dead, right there on the trail, and my obituary would say how my sensible team mate had tried to talk me into walking at the mall instead, but alas, my stubborn nature had finally done me in. Or after I went down to Gulf Shores with my mom and kids and dressed in an outrageous pink outfit and got on the Rick and Bubba radio show to promote our team, I was going to post about all the crazy looks I got at 6 am in my gawdy pink hat. Or when I finally surpassed the 100-mile mark sweating to death on one of my training walks and I realized I'm barely scratching the surface on what I need to accomplish. Or when our team raised $1840 at our kids' elementary school doing Penny Wars, how proud I felt to be part of such a great school and community (yes, I know it sounds corny, but it's true). I had intended to blog after my Parents Night Out adventure, which was tons of fun for the kids, but I learned that I'd like more eyes watching those adventurers next time. Or this week when I realized what is probably wrong with my foot is Morton's Neuroma and I've got to go see a foot doctor about it to see what can be done, I wanted to blog and ask if anyone has ever even heard of this lame sounding condition (I mean, couldn't they come up with a better name than Morton?).

But most importantly, if I could adequately capture the emotion on this page every time someone shares their story with me about survivors, their precious loved ones who've lost their battle, or the ones who are currently courageously fighting, I'd write it all down every time.

But some things can't be expressed so easily in a blog.

So I will just continue to carry them in my heart.

You Know Your Lemonade Stand Sucks When...

your own father doesn't even stop! No lie, my dad came over yesterday and helped Keith work on the shed, then went to visit with our neighbors before going home. As I saw his truck topping the hill, I perked up thinking at least my dad would stop, but nope, he just gave me a friendly wave and kept on trucking. Dang. That was cold.

Last time, I sold two pitchers and had to go make more in less than an hour! This time, I had two whole customers. I'm thinking the difference must have been having my kids with me before. I guess people are more prone to stop for cute little kids than some old woman wearing pink hocking overpriced lemonade! However, my nice neighbor did make a donation so that helped restore my dignity. Thanks Kim!

Saturday, I did my first 8-mile walk. I was hoping to finish in two hours flat, but it ended up being a little longer. I must admit, I was pretty tired the rest of the day.

I joined the team just over three weeks ago and so far I've logged 48 miles and raised $869. I'm looking forward the the family fun walk this weekend! Hope the weather's good. Come out if you can!

Pink Lemonade, Anyone?

Today started with a windy, brisk 5-mile walk at 8 am. I met Jenny, a teammate, for the first time and really enjoyed chatting with her (and teammate Stacie and my friend, Malissa). Later in the afternoon, I took the kids up our driveway and set up a pink lemonade stand to catch people coming and going from the Nature Trail. We got over $20 in a short amount of time, but I have to admit my kids were freaking me out a little with getting so close to the edge of the road. I'll need to reconsider the logistics before I do this again because I also created some minor traffic snarls, but everyone was super nice and supportive so thank you! Thanks to my sweet husband for helping me set up (after getting in late last night from being out of town all week) and my kids for helping me (at least for the first 10 minutes).

First Fundraiser!

I'm excited about team Pink for Life's first fundraiser!