I am still alive (although barely). But to quote a line from
a favored movie – “I ain’t dead yet”. I keep trying to live. I have a wonderful
husband, 2 rambunctious girls, 2 older children finding their own way in life,
two loud dogs, two shaved for the summer Persian cats, and a goldfish
that I think will outlive me.
So… Guess what time it is: yes……it’s Relay for Life Time. Okay…..for those who’ve gone through this
before……and yes, I’ve lived for 6 years since my initial diagnosis of breast
cancer, so I can imagine there are quite a few people that usually take a
snooze while reading this. So take a nap…..I’ll nudge you
when it’s time for you to wake up.
Bainbridge Island used to participate in the American Cancer
Society’s, “Relay for Life”. I participated in the program to help raise funds
for cancer research. And although I did not make very much money, I would walk
at least a mile or two with friends.
What used to be a crowd of 30 or more, complete with magnificent cellists
playing music for myself and other walkers has dwindled to a few – they help me
to keep going. For me cancer has always
been the most painful at 10 PM. I
figured if I could walk a mile at 10 PM then I could keep going and fight my
cancer. Unfortunately due to high costs
of the BHS track and other liabilities, the Relay for Life slipped through
Bainbridge Island hands. The event then started to leap frog from city to city,
Poulsbo, Silverdale, and Bremerton. I’m
not sure where the event is held today, for all I know it has passed Gig Harbor
and made its way to Tacoma. Since I
could not ask my friends to get on the 305 and start heading south, I asked my
friends to “jump the fence” with me at Bainbridge High School. In days of yore, I had cello friends who
showed up to the played Bach, Ode to Joy, even I played Twinkle, Twinkle,
Little Star. I had a friend who flew in
from Toronto. I had even a dreaded IRS
agent or two, but don’t hold that against me. So…..NUDGE, NUDGE wake up.
Usually my invitation to join me on my walk is during
mid-summer, when ice cream is cranked out and hot dogs sizzles on the bbq. However, I’m not doing well and have been undergoing
radiation throughout the summer and instead of hot dogs sizzling, my spine has
been sizzling with hopes the numerous tumors on my spine will fry away. I also usually send my invitation at
least a good two weeks before I jump the fence. However not this year – it’s been difficult
to live lately (but I have two young daughters and husband that still need me
for a few years yet - ya-da, ya-da ya-da).
So I invite you to “jump the fence” at the Bainbridge High
School, on this Saturday, August 23rd, 2014, at 10:00 p.m……….yes,
I do mean p.m. Nina, Bridgette this means you. (when
the stars are out). I might have a gift for
the person who travels the farthest to walk with me – a beautiful gold necklace
complete with pink sapphire designed and made by me – I make jewelry, I got
bored just staying home. Please bring
the children, it’s the last thing they can do before the end of summer – we can
make them walk backwards around the track.
I should warn you though……it’s doubtful that I’ll walk more than a lap
although sometimes the spirit runs through me and I’ve walked over a mile.
Joan Judge
p.s. usually I ask for donations to Swedish Hospital Women’s Cancer Group, or something - however at the last minute I changed my mind. Send me an email should you wish to donate funds to a favorite cause.
p.p.s. I’m usually more upbeat, but a dear admired friend passed away this week. Not of cancer, but just the passing of time from having a joyous life full of love and laughter. I know I should be happy for her and am, but it was so nice that on occasion she was able to hold and squeeze my hand giving me strength to go that one more mile.
p.p.p.s. Please follow my story at http://justjudge.blogspot.com/
Sent from my vacuum cleaner
