"So how are you feeling about the AVON Walk?"
Monday, May 14, 2012 at 11:04PM Last Thursday, I arranged a meeting with the Board Chair of the corporation where I work. She is a strong, smart, and engaging person who I admire very much. In our brief meeting time, I shared with her my participation in the AVON Walk, and that she was one of the reasons why I was walking (she is battling cancer, and I am praying that she will be one of the survivors). It was a special moment for both of us, and I will carry it with me on June 2-3.
Last Friday, I ate dinner at a restaurant and pub in Chicago called "The Garage". I went with my good friend Ron so we could meet the owner of the restaurant, who is another good friend who we haven't seen in over four years. That friend, Lisa, is a great person with a brilliant smile and a heart to match. Of course, being the owner meant that we only got a portion of her time because she was busy keeping the place running smoothly. But nevertheless, it was a great evening and a special treat being able to share it with Lisa and Ron. Oh, and the food was excellent as was their 100+ selection of beer.
Lisa is well acquainted with the AVON Walk for Breast Cancer. She has participated in the fundraising event for many years, and I had the privilege of supporting her. She has a passion for the cause. So it was awesome being able to hear her talk about her experiences, and to feel her support for my walking the Walk this year. Her enthusiasm and support mean a great deal to me.
Sunday was Mother's Day. And for many families, this is a day of celebration and thankfulness. A time to give flowers, candy, cards, and have special dinners. But for others, it can be a day of mixed emotions. Grief, sadness, loss, and pain can mix with memories of pleasant, more happier times. It was like that for my wife, who lost her mother to breast cancer over 20 years ago. In a private moment that afternoon, she came over to me and we hugged. And she proceeded to cry. And when she could speak, she said "You'd think after 20 years, I'd be over it."
No sweetie. I don't think that at all.
Today, one of my friends on my Disney racing team asked me the question in the Headline of this article. On any other day, I would have responded with an immediate "Feeling good! Training is going well. I am really looking forward to the experience!" And all of that would be true. But today, the question hit me differently. It made me think not about the training, the preparation, the logistics, and the challenge physically; but of the emotional and personal reasons I am engaged in it.
Those who know me will tell you that I am all about the logistics and planning and training and achievement of my goals. Am I ready for the Walk? Yes, I believe I am ready for the AVON Walk. I have two more Long Walks this weekend (8 miles on Sat before our 'Bark for the Cure' fundraiser, and 18-20 miles on Sun) and then I get to rest. Yet I know AVON is not a race. It is not timed. But for me it feels like my first Full & Half Marathon challenge (I guess it is... from a 'distance' point-of-view) -- like an untimed 'Goofy Challenge' event. Certainly, it is an endurance event that will test my ability to go 39.3 miles.
But the experiences over the past five days remind me that AVON is so much more than all of that. Completing this Walk will be very emotional for me on many different levels. Walking with my team of Pink Angels, many of whom have done this for 5+ years, will be something I cannot even imagine right now. Lisa tells me that it will be life-changing to share this with so many others who have been touched by this disease and are united in a common goal to bring an END TO IT!
I am not usually the most emotionally expressive person when it comes to public displays. I'm no Vulcan, but I tend to share my feelings in a more 'one-on-one' type of setting. But I have a feeling that won't be the case after this Walk. What I will have accomplished on June 3rd will make a difference. And I want to feel that deep satisfaction and share it with my wife, my team, and everyone else who walks the first weekend in June. I want to laugh, and smile, and cry, and reflect.
And when someone asks me on June 3rd, "So how do you feel about doing the Walk?", I want my answer to be "AWESOME and AMAZING and THANKFUL!"
AVON Walk, Reflections in AVON Walk, Reflections
Reader Comments (3)
Rick,
I just want to tell you how beautiful and touching this post is. Reading it really touched my heart and I'm so glad that you will be walking with me and the Pink Ribbon Angels team this year and making a difference in the fight against breast cancer!
It IS and WILL BE a truly life-changing experience for you and it WILL be emotional in so many different ways. I know you will do great and I know you are more than ready for the physical part of this event. I also know you have an incredible deal of support from your loving family and wonderful friends...and will carry that with you through the entire weekend.
I feel blessed to know you and am so thankful for your friendship, support, encouragement and inspiration that you have shared with me and with others these last few months.
Thank you and know that I am praying for you...one of my favorite Angels. :)
Michelle :)
Thanks Michelle! And thanks for inviting me to be a part of your team. They have all been very welcoming. It will be certainly be a milestone event in my life.
Wow! This is a great post Rick! When I asked you that question, I was just thinking about your training and how you were feeling physically. It's really great to read about the stories and people that have inspired you, that's what makes this so much more than any endurance race!
Can't wait to hear about the actual walk in a couple of weeks! :)