The Last Day

It seems like yesterday.
The evening of Day 2 was like a big party. After dinner there was even a big dance. The energy level was so high that even people who barely could drag themselves in from the road were line dancing and jumping around. It took all of the energy I had to turn the pages of my book. After Friday night in the parking garage, the ground was nice and soft. I also had the luxury of having a tent all to myself so I slept like a baby (well until it started sprinkling and I had to close up my tent).
Sunday morning broke like perfect mornings should. It was cool and the sky was clear. Everyone was excited to get to the finish line. The talk in the medical tent was “I don’t care if I have to drag myself over that line with my fingernails; I am going to finish this”. The walk was great. Flat, nice sidewalks, beautiful scenery and wonderful people to talk to as you walked and told your story. I was carrying a token for Carol (a pumpkin pin of hers that her son loaned me). People were drawn to the pin and I was able to tell the story of this amazing woman. Actually I was able to tell her story at least 10 times each day. I ran into the stray puppy I picked up at the airport on Thursday. She was in a medical tent and really hurting. We talked for a bit and she decided to give it a go. About 5 yards out of the rest stop she stopped, said she couldn’t, so we held onto each other as she cried. I promised her that if she could get the drop off bus to let her out before the finish I would get her across the line if I had to carry her myself. About a mile from the finish I found her sitting on a bench. It took us 35 minutes to walk that last mile but by gosh she walked across it with her head held back, a smile on her face, and tears in her eyes (my too by the way).
Closing ceremonies were moving as they always are. Once again I was amazed at the energy level we reached walking onto the field to cheers, balloons, and flowers. When the survivors walked in, we all dropped to one knee and held a shoe above our heads to honor their courage and strength. The speeches were short but inspirational. I do know that I can never run for public office since there are pictures of me in a pink shirt holding onto another man as we both wept openly. I regret that my writing skills are not adequate to describe the emotions of the day.
So my friends I did it. I could not have done it without your support and for that I am eternally grateful. We raised over $5.4 million dollars to fight breast cancer!!!! Thank you thank you thank you.
As to next year, I just don’t know. Remember I have said “never again” 3 times before.
You guys are the best!