{Why I Relay}-year 2 at ACS Relay for Life

I've always said that people come into your life for a reason-whether good or bad. I've now been blessed to be part of an amazing Relay for Life team for the last two years. While I'm no longer friends with the chick that introduced me to this wonderful group of women, I can't help but be grateful to have known her because without her I may not know the amazing women that I'm happy to have as part of my Relay family.

Like many others, I too have been touched by cancer. While I personally have not had to battle the beast myself, I've lost love ones.

So when people ask me why I relay this is what I should say...

I relay for my grandparents. I relay because they should've seen me graduate high school. They should've gotten the chance to know me as an adult. They should've seen me marry my best friend. They should've been able to spoil and love my beautiful boys. I had the greatest grandparents!

I relay for my husband's great aunt. She was a beautiful, giving thoughtful women. I'll never forget the day I first met her, she had the warmest smile and gave the greatest hugs. She welcomed me to the family as if she'd known me for years. I relay because she should've been able to spoil her grand daughter for more than 2 short years. I relay because she'd be so happy for her other daughter and her new baby on the way.

I relay for my neighbors. She is a survivor and is now a caregiver for her husband. They not only love my hubby and I but the love my boys like their own grandchildren. I relay so we can continue to love them and they can be around for many more years to come.

I relay for my husbands grandparents. I never met them, but would've loved the opportunity to. I relay for my husbands uncle, another member of the family I never got to meet.

And I relay in hopes that my children will never have to worry about missing out on meeting, loving, spoiling or being spoiled by family member because of this terrible disease.

To say that Relay was amazing, would not give it justice. It was so much more than that. It was a day to inspire, a day to celebrate, a day to remember and a day to fight back.  This next year, I've decided that being part of a team is amazing, but I want to do more. I'll be joining the committee that helps to plan the big event. I can't wait to get to keep you posted as planning starts!

We actually went to two Relays! One on May 19th (Menifee) that was just a mile from our house. We walked there and back. And we surprised our neighbors (Grandma Ruth and Papa Andy) with a Luminaria in their honor.  (Above left is...) My boys #2 and #3 showing grandma Ruth the luminaria. (bottom Left and right...) Boy #4 enjoying time with his grandma and papa...check out grandma's mix match socks for the spirit laps. 

Ruth and I in our mix match socks. Baby #5 wearing his Relay tie-dye shirt and looking very sleepy. He was such a trooper and stayed the night with me. He was so good! And technically this is his 2nd relay...I was pregnant with him last year. And a cute picture of 'us'...we don't have many anymore. We are usually the ones taking the pictures. 

Above is the collage from the 1st Relay of this year.  Can't wait until next year! There are Relay events EVERYWHERE, be sure to check out the one in your town.