Buddy Walk 2008--Part III

Deep feelings of thankfulness have surrounded me recently--even in my dreams. Last night, as I slept, I had clear visions of myself sitting at our kitchen table with Judy, our neighbor, and Sarah, a dear friend from college. It was a few days before I left for California for my brain surgery, and we were going over the list of all the families they had scheduled to bring my family meals while Chris and I were gone and during my recovery. Many of the names on the calendar were not people I knew, but who had offered to help nonetheless. Judy and Sarah set out to fill a month's worth of dates. They ended up filling three months.

The morning of the surgery, as I was wheeled away from Chris and through the double set of doors into the sterile operating room, I thought about how much I love Life and my family--and of the huge embrace from family, friends, and community. Within minutes, I felt the sting of a needle going into the back of my hand, and a razor shaving the back of my head--an odd sensation, especially when coupled with such overwhelming gratitude.

I have no idea why my subconscious chose now to re-live that moment, but I have been talking recently about a similar embrace we felt through response to the Buddy Walk and Bridget's Light.

Maybe it is a gentle nudge to keep sharing our story...

From my first post (Introduction):

I believe that people are inherently good. I see it everywhere, in faces, in big and small gestures, and in people giving of themselves (personal support or corporate commitment).

I believe the universe is inherently friendly; that good things happen even in the worst of times; and that we make conscious choices to be hopeful, and to let love lead.

I have tremendous faith that, in the end, love always prevails.

Our family has been so deeply impacted by Bridget and the events of the past few years--in a really good way. Now, it's my job to spread the goodness :)...

To that end, here are more photos from the Buddy Walk: