Relay for LIfe

I was very honored to MC the Luminary Ceremony at Relay for Life this past weekend. I, like many others, have family members who have suffered with cancer and unfortunately lost the battle. It's a constant reminder every holiday we celebrate without them that cancer doesn't care who you are or what good deeds you have done. It can hit anyone at anytime.

In reading the names "in memory of" my grandmother Johnnie Henson and uncle Jim Henson were called out. Mamaw has been gone over 10 years now and my uncle has been gone for 7 years. It was hard to hear their names called out but I know both of them were there in spirit with us Friday night. Not a day goes by that I don't think about them. I wish they were still here with us.

Next came a time to read the names "in honor of" and I have to tell you... nothing hits home more than having a cancer survivor there beside you and knowing the battle they are fighting. As I started reading the names, I knew a good many of them but then I came to a name that tore my heart into. Because she is just not a cancer survivor... she is much more. She was my 5th and 6th grade math teacher, my chaperone to Washington D.C. on our 6th grade trip, my church pew friend, my hero and now my second mother... Camie Heard. As I read her name all of these things struck a chord with me and right then and there I was ever so thankful for her name being on the "in honor of" list! She continues to fight her battle and every day she is an example that prayer and a positive attitude works!

In the picture above, these two cancer survivors have seen me come a long way in life. They both had a huge part of me becoming who I am today. Of course some would say they hope Coach Roberson really didn't teach me how to drive the way I do. lol

I look forward to next year's Relay for Life. I may not be the MC for the Luminary Ceremony but I can't wait to hear the names Camie Heard and Rick Roberson called out from the "in honor of" list!!