When I tell people that I am participating in the Susan G. Koman 3 Day for the Cure they look at me like I’m crazy; ESPECIALLY when I tell them that this will be my 4th walk. Some people even tell me that it’s impossible for them to walk that far in 3 days, so they aren’t even going to try. But I know it’s all in how you punctuate it! It’s not “Impossible” it’s “I’m Possible”. I know that’s a little corny, but it’s true. On my first walk I discovered I can accomplish the impossible; I just have to believe in myself.
The way that I explain why I walk, is like this…
This is my “one thing” I do for myself every year. I know, I know, normal people go to the spa or Las Vegas for a girls weekend, not walk 60 miles over 3 days. But this is something that I get to do where I’m not so-and-so’s mom, wife, daughter… I’m just Kate. And I’m doing something that makes me feel good about myself. I’m not selling magazines for one of the kids schools or raffle tickets for the church; things that you feel like you have to do. I’m doing this because I want to be a part of something amazing.
It’s hard to explain what kind of experience the 3-Day is unless you have been there. Everyone, 1,000s of people walking, bonding… people of all different backgrounds, sizes, family situations, walks of life… walking for one common goal. The people from the community come out to support you along the way. You see survivors with big signs thanking everyone for walking.
It really makes me feel good about myself, because I am doing something that truly makes a difference to someone other than myself or my family. And if you can get through opening and closing ceremonies and the walk in-between without crying once, you are a stronger person than I. It’s an emotional roller-coaster, but it is the best feeling when you cross that finish line and have all the walkers that crossed before you cheering you on, giving you hugs, high-fives and well-deserved congratulations.
That feeling stays with me for a very long time. And it makes me a better mom, wife, daughter.
And that is why I walk.
Leave a Reply