Humbling yet hopeful....

Yes, it is humbling to be a part of a team in which you aren't able to fully participate.  And it is humbling, especially when your team members go to the limit of their kindness to help you to be as important a part of the team that you once were.

Our team captain, Val Nicholson, went to great trouble in acquiring a wheelchair so that I could be a part of the first lap around the track.  It was even decorated!!!  AND she pushed me...along with other members.  I felt like one of the team even though I didn't fulfill my responsibility as a team member.  Humbling....

I think Relay for Life was successful.  I haven't heard the results yet but I'm sure our team was up in the top bracket of raising the most cash.

But it was so very cold last night...dare I say frigid.  People wore toques, winter jackets, fleece jackets, mitts, turtle neck sweaters, long underwear and anything else they could get their hands on to keep themselves warm.  I hadn't planned on staying very long so I didn't bring mitts or gloves or a jacket, just a fleece and shirt under my "Studs and Peelers" T-shirt.  People gave me their mitts, jacket and fuzzy blanket while I was there...see what I mean about great team members!

I always appreciate the first lap around the track.  It involves all who are cancer survivors.  Seemed like hundreds of them.  From little children to seniors...all wearing their bright yellow shirts to indicate they have come through some very trying times.  Then of course, there were all the little white candles around the track in memory of those who didn't win the battle.  They most likely won many fights and skirmishes but in the end, cancer won out.  But many have survived this battle, and have been cancer-free for many years.  A great triumph!  So that first lap was in honor of them.

I was there for only a little over an hour but I managed to take a few pictures so you can get a feel for the evening.

 Captain "Peg Leg" Val along with Penny and April holding our illustrious banner!

 Some of the gear that would keep team members warm over the 

wee hours of the morning when it would dip to +1C...with a wind!

 Kayla, Alycia and Penny keeping warm.

 April holding her "Big Foot" candy...ready to munch!

 I think John took a video of me dancing to keep warm...it may

show up at some function or another:)

 Cynthia was beginning her layered look.

 Twila and son, Jarred.(I think I continue to spell his name wrong)

Team member, Marty and his cancer surviving wife, Treena.

 Our Team shirt with logo....very cool!

 This was my mode of transportation for the all-important first lap....I 

wouldn't have made it around the track otherwise.

 The "In Memorium" candles.

 My co-worker's parents, Pat and Elroy - cancer survivors.

 Twila with her mom and dad.

 The young team ahead of us wore neon!

 Folks did what was necessary to keep warm.

 Even blowing their warm breath on their children's little hands.

 Gumby seemed pleased with himself.

 The Forest Service "Studs and Peelers"  (I always want to say 

"Spuds and Steelers")

 The line was long as the survivors made their way around the track.

 Moms and Dads

 Young and old.

 Our team captain, Val with her hubby and son.

 The first Relay lap was headed up by members of  the local and armed forces.

Yes, there IS hope!

This year's team consisted of: Val Nicholson - captain, Andrea Atkinson, John Thompson, Cynthia Mamer, Twila Gola, Penny Herbert, Niska Hodgson, Marty Ferguson, April Goll, Alycia Evans, David Stevenson, Carole Stewart and me.