As with All Good Things...

Well, tonight marked the end of the 2011 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Season.  We as a family have gone through a pretty amazing journey.  We have laughed and celebrated our victories.  We have also cried and mourned our losses.  With each event it brought us closer as a community and family.  Last weekend in Arizona when we received the news that Jim Hillmann's Father had passed away it was devastating.  I never had the pleasure or honor of meeting Jim's Father, but I can tell you that the longer that I am part of this community, I can honestly say that when one hurts we all hurt.  When someone suffers a loss we all suffer in that loss.  Last year I felt like I was a patch that was on top of the 3-Day quilt.  I was doing my part but I didn't feel totally connected.  This year, I feel like I am an intricate part, that has been woven into the community.  What a difference a year can make.  Last year I made some great friendships along my journey and I felt extremely blessed.  This year I have made so many new friends that it is really too hard to list them all.  Each one has brought something different into my life, and I am so grateful for each and everyone.  I can only imagine what lies ahead for next year in the 2012 season.  I already know that I am signed up to walk in Boston then a week later to crew in Cleveland.  My husband Chad is going to join me in crewing in Cleveland and my dear friend Sean is going to come up from Atlanta to join us.  We also just picked up another friend Faye that will be joining our team in Cleveland.  I am in talks to go back to DC in some capacity and then walk in Tampa.  Past that, it is a mystery.  I eventually will find a way to walk in all 14 Cities in one season.  Till that time, I will keep doing what I can do and try to keep stretching my wings to see the different cities.  Tonight I know was very bittersweet for many of us as this was a year of growing.  Growing stronger as individuals and as a family, we reached further, supported each other more and dreamed bigger.  Tonight I just wanted to say, THANK YOU... Thank you for an incredible year. Thank You for your Friendship and most of all... Thank you for being a visionary, for never giving up even when things got rough and for the conviction to go after what you believe in.  Together, one step at time we are making a difference.  Big Hugs & Lots of Love XoXo