ANOTHER RACE DAY GONE...MORE TO COME!

Today in Portland, we had the 16th annual Komen Race for the Cure.  As Portland has traditionally been a very big supporter of the cause, it was no surprise that the attendance was overwhelming!  With the sun shining through the clouds and the air feeling fresh and crisp on the first Sunday of fall, thousands of people were out in full force.  Pink glitter, silver tiaras, striped tube socks, tutus, and more adorned the streets of downtown Portland as many people joined forces to fight breast cancer.  I must say, though, that losing two good friends in the past 10 days to cancer...I could care less what type of cancer it is, I am looking for a cure to any of the cancers.  Pardon me, I digress...

So at this point, I want to brag for a moment about my mother.  As some of you may or may not have known, one of my first ever blogs was titled... "Get Over It".  The purpose was to inspire all of us and anyone who reads our posts to get out there and to participate.  I do not care what you do, just go and do something...volunteer, give, whatever.  Anyhow, I read the post to mother as I happened to be proud of it.  She told me it was good and I knew that it was...(humbly said, of course).  As it happened, just short time later, my mother, Sharon Golobay, phoned me and said to me, I need to do this.  I was surprised.  I had not intended to get her involved in it.  I certainly would not discourage her, but I thought perhaps I should wait to see if she follows through.  You know, best intentions being what they are and all!  :)

So today, at 6:30 AM this morning, my mother and I met near a transit station in Portland, and we got out there and raised money and our spirits as we participated in the enthusiasm this type of event provides.  I am so proud of my mom.  We lost my Dad a few years ago now, yet she still stands strong in her faith and hope.  Not many people will do something new for the first time in their lives when they are over 50, but she did.  She made a goal and she accomplished it with grace.  Yes, this years race is over, but next year, we are going to talk my sister into participating in our scheme to kick the crud out of cancer.  Start planning now for how you can help!  Thank you for reading my personal story and for celebrating the victory which we will have over cancer -- of any kind.  I will be watching, reading, and writing!