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Current mood:  adored
I could go on to describe the third day to you, but it's much the same as the first two with a little twist.
Day 3 would take everything we had left and then some.
We set out to finish what we started. We were tired. We were hurting. But we were determined.
The first 3 miles were those "work out the kinks" miles. There was much laughter and no one started out in a big hurry. Today was the day we could put it in low.
Our girls were the mile 6 rest stop, and when we got there, everyone needed to sit and take care of their blisters, rewrap ankles, knees, feet, etc. But I couldn't stop.
I was feeling pretty sure if I stayed there too long, I'd never make it to the end. It was getting warmer and there were still 4 miles left, including a short but steep hill.
I set off from there on my own, hugs and kisses for the girls and a "see you on the other side".
I walked the last 3 7/10ths of a mile alone. I found time to reflect on all we'd accomplished. I noticed the houses and the streets, the trees and the sky. As I wound through the little tourist town, I thought of how grateful I was to have these strong-willed ladies walk with me. I'd listened to people say, "I'm walking for my sister/mom/brother/husband/wife". I thought, "what a beautiful sentiment" and then it hit me.
These women, all with me from all across the country, were my friends. There was no familial obligation. They weren't there because they had to be. They were there because they wanted to be. Let me tell you something. Until you have a group of women give up their time to take part in something like this with you, FOR you, you can't imagine how it feels. I didn't know. I do now. I mean I knew it was pretty special, but it wasn't until these last few miles that I realized how incredible it was that they were here at all. Because they not only walked 50 miles or volunteered, they paid to be there. They paid to be with me. I guess I am kind of a big deal after all. :)
Patty got to the end first. I was second. Our girls from the rest stop were waiting there. My knee was killing me. Every step hurt and all I could think of were two things:
1) Give me some ice for my knee
and
2) Don't block my view so I can see when my girls finish.
There was a luncheon and a program. I don't know what went on during that. I missed it. And I didn't care because I was waiting for my girls. My finish meant nothing without them.
Tina and Janet came next - they sprinted across the finish line. It was really quite funny.
Dee was hot on their heels. Adriane and Scilly came shortly after, and finally my whole team was there, with me, at the finish line.
At some point, I was approached by one of the organizers who asked if LaDorkas would carry the "WALKERS" sign across the finish line. This meant a couple of things. Let me explain.
The last 3/10ths of a mile is walked as a group. The first group that goes are the Walkers with MS. Then, the walkers, then the volunteers. If we followed protocol, we could not have finished together as a team. But because we were asked to carry the sign, we ALL got to walk together. Her simply asking me to do this made me cry.
Our team was awarded the "Team with the Most Spirit" award, which I think was their nice way of saying "The Loudest Team".
When the final march started, we walked that 3/10ths of a mile smiling the whole way. We were awarded medals as we crossed onto the Washington Island Ferry and under the FINISH line.
We posed for some pictures, had a little celebration and got some lunch. After that, the good byes started and didn't end until the following morning.
September 20, 2009. The day I completed my 50 mile journey toward a cure.
I've already signed up for next year.
www.ladorkas.com
There was some wild fun that Sunday night at the hotel, but we weren't whole,
as Patty had gone home and Tina and Spooner were on their way home.
Thank you will never be enough for these ladies. I have nothing but
love & respect for them. I hope that each of you out there has at
least one friend like this. I'm the luckiest girl around because I have 9.
XOXO
5:04 PM
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