In the midst of waves of life...

I'm in the midst of nonstop busyness...I've had this time circled on my mental calendar since September. SOLs started for my students today. Relay For Life is this weekend. So, I have no personal life other than my 'me' time, AKA gym time, in the AM.

I'm being pulled in every direction. Everyone wants a piece of me from the principal at the high school to the lady who owns a local green store. Multi-tasking is key. Acknowledging everyone's concerns (no-matter-how unconcerning they really are) is key. Having an awareness that I will never please everyone within the classroom or the nonprofit fundraising world is key. Organization is key. Delegating is key. And, affirming others is key. I've been mentally preparing myself for this. With each year on the committee you'd think it'd get easier. It doesn't make it any easier.

But, what doesn't make it any harder...is talking to the 3 girls on the phone yesterday and realizing that's why I teach...that's why I fight cancer...they're the future.

But, what doesn't make it any harder...was meeting a committee member/13 year survivor at our storage building late last night, and to have her tell me of a childhood acquaintance who just got diagnosed with thyroid cancer...

But, what doesn't make it any harder...is the third grader at my school who beat childhood cancer at the age of 3 and runs to give me hugs and tells me how excited she is about this weekend.

But, what doesn't make it any harder...is the quiet/doer survivor who when she found out I was $20 from reaching $1,000 raised for my Relay goal...slipped a check into my room and offered kind words.

But, what doesn't make it any harder...is the student who brought in his 'life savings' of $15 to donate to 'walk all over me' for Relay For Life.

I knowingly assume the position that receives all complaints, attacks, concerns, and 'better ideas for next year.' But, it's all worth it end. Because, this is not about me.

This is about the third grader who's alive today and has celebrated 5 cancer free birthdays. And, that is worth it all.

Moral of the Story: I've ruminated on this verse lately...

1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message)

¹³No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

Relay Countdown: 1 day!

Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants celebrate, remember, and fight back.

Celebrate - The Survivors Lap
Relay starts with a Survivors Lap an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays like those of each individual on the track.

Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony
After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Fight Back - The Fight Back Ceremony
Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer.

No matter where you are, there’s a place for you at Relay and you can make a difference today by signing up online to start your own team or by simply making a donation.

Thanks to Relay participants, we are creating a world with more birthdays a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.