Relay Princess

I knew a lot of changes would come in our lives when Lizzy started Kindergarten. I was right. Some experiences were expected and some have been a complete surprise. For example...Lizzy developed a friendship with a boy in her class who has Leukemia. She is deep thinking enough to know that Leukemia is not just the flu and that her friend had already been through some hard stuff by the time she met him. (You can read a post here that first mentions Lizzy's curiosity about helping those who suffer from cancer.)

The wheels in her brain were starting to turn and her heart was beginning to be touched...

Later, back in November, Ben, Lizzy and I had a touching experience when we went to get pizza one Friday night. That evening Lizzy and I learned more about cancer, how it forms, how it hurts people, that scientists are trying to discover a cure. (you can read that post here and here.)

Her brain and her heart got together after that and decided to not just sit and watch and feel sad but to do something to help...

When Lizzy's school announced that they would be forming their annual Relay For Life team, Lizzy knew what she wanted to do. We joined the team. Afterward, Lizzy sat down with me to compose a letter asking others to support her cause.(you can read that letter here) She and I sent that letter off to many people. Next year we plan to do more activities in which she is more involved with actually raising money. I never really felt comfortable just sending off that letter via email but at this point in her young life and with my schedule the way it is, it was the best we could do this year.

By the time the Yuma Relay for Life event came along on April 30th, Lizzy had raised $505.00!!! She was among the top 100 fund raisers for the event. Quite an accomplishment considering the amount of people who participated and her age - 6-years-old. She was sincerely touched and grateful to all those who donated to her fund. (I will be sending out personal thank you notes soon) Thank you everyone!!!

Relay for Life events are different in every city. Here in Yuma, maybe because it is already starting to warm up in April, the event begins at night with opening ceremonies at 6:30pm and then the walking around the track beginning at 8pm. The walking continues all night until around 7am with someone from each team walking at all times.  I signed Lizzy up for the 8-9pm time as I did not think she would be able to stay awake any longer than that.

I had mentioned to my cousin/friend Becky Crookston that I wanted to make a shirt for Lizzy to wear during the event but didn't know when I would get to that project with my crazy schedule. Becky is an ultra talented lady with an even more talented heart. I learned to be careful what I say around Becky. She surprised me a couple days before R for L with this cute shirt embellished with the words "Relay Princess". Lizzy loved it!! We bought a bright pink fabric marker and wrote the names of each of her sponsors in the hearts on the shirt.

Here is Lizzy helping to set out the luminary bags before the sun went down. Each bag is purchased as a donation to honor those whom someone knows who is either living with cancer, in remission or has passed on. The bags line the track. After the opening ceremonies, and the night had grown dark, the stadium lights were turned off and the candles in each bag were lit. It was a touching, beautiful sight.

This is Lizzy with her friend Richie who is the friend from school who first opened her eyes to the sadness and pain of cancer. He wore a purple shirt and a special "survivor" sash and joined about 400 people as they walked around the track together in the "survivor" lap. It was a touching experience to cheer for these survivors. I had to keep from crying too much and the thought came to me that each of us could walk around that track wearing "survivor" sashes for so many different heartaches. Maybe we'll get to do that in the next life.

Richie had some great pictures on display at our camp sight. He and Lizzy had fun looking at the pictures and then hanging out together for a good portion of the evening. It made me happy. I like Richie. If you know him, you know he is wise beyond his years. His pain has not been in vain. He has learned some important lessons in his short 6 years here on this earth.

Ben got to know Richie too and they all had fun together. I wish I could have heard what they were talking about in this obviously important conversation. I am sure it was some really great kid stuff. :)

Time for Lizzy to walk the track. Here she is amongst other walkers and participants.

Troy interviewed Lizzy with his video camera while she walked the track.

After about the 4th or 5th lap she started to complain about her ankles hurting (I should have made her wear better shoes!) I said, "How did Richie feel while he was in the hospital?" That was all I had to say. She replied, "Okay, this isn't as painful as that. I can keep going." She did continue to whine but she didn't give up. She kept her promise to all those who donated but most importantly to herself. I was so proud of her.

I think it is time to clean the lens on the camera.

In all the rush of activities leading up to the relay, I never found the time to purchase a luminary for my mom who died of pancreatic cancer in Feb. 2000. So that evening I rushed to get one put together before the candle lighting. I wrote a quick message and then Lizzy added her own sentiments...for a grandmother she has never met in this life but she UNDOUBTEDLY knew before coming here to earth. I have no doubt my mom was with us that night, so proud of Lizzy and cheering her on.

We are planning on doing this again next year. I actually think I might form my own team with my sister and anyone else who might want to join us. It will be so much fun!! What a great family experience.

Thank you Lizzy. When you read this in the future, I just want you to know that you may be the daughter here in this life but you teach me just as much, if not more, than I teach you. We would not have had this experience if it had not been for you. The world is a much, much better place because you are here. I hope to be just like you someday!
Love,
Mom