Never did I expect to be so overcome and overwhelmed as I was last night by the experience of going to the Light The Night event at Washington Park. Plus I was so glad that my parents and Matthew went with me. First of all the size of the event was massive and to realize how it has grown over the years is incredible. Let me back up, first of all when we got there we parked on the far west edge of the park and began to walk in. when we cleared the lake and then the volleyball fields the tents came into view and I saw that this was not a small deal. I was shocked. I had no idea it was this big of a deal. I knew Daniel's friend Hannah had done this walk in honor of her Aunt Patti for years but had no idea what it was all about. I wasn't expecting the crowd that I was walkinging into and was suddenly taken aback. But I was there with my walking shoes and I was there to support Hannah and Daniel and after all, Daniel and I have been walking around the hospital unit so much I actual felt in shape enough to get around the lake without huffing and puffing. As I got a little closer to the tents with my Dad beside me became quickly overwhelmed and frankly very panicky. There were literally thousands of people in a huge tent village of unorganized loud music chaos with kids running everywhere (at least I my eyes). Remember, I have been in a confined sterile environment for months now. My head was swimming until I somehow spotted the beautiful Leslie Sidell amongst the sea of people in Patti's Team Tent. She lovingly welcomed me and introduced me to her entire family. I learned all about Patti and some of Patti's story. Patti was one of the founder's of the Light The Night Walk many many years ago when it was just a small idea that began in Cherry Creek. The family is in awe of what has grown to as they all looked out over the crowd in amazement of the night and what it had become for so many. Patti may have lost her fight many years ago but what has become of this night is her legacy. And what it is doing for other families such as mine is beyond words. I spoke with Pattis sister and her parents and sister in law and their kindness and support was again overwhelming. They were all so encouraging. Then Leslie pulled out the banner that she had made for their team to walk with and that was the end of me. After decades of walking for Patti this year their was Daniel on their massive banner, with footballs and helmets and everything important to him. Hannah this 14, oops now 15 year old amazing young woman found it in her heart to include Daniel in her fight and shine a light on my boy in her cause. All those thousands of people were their last night for the same reason but all the kids that came out to carry that banner and walk with us were there for Daniel. Pattie and here family started an amazing thing that raised over a million dollars last night for an amazing cause that is so needed and and all I could think about was how I wished I wasn't there and didn't need to be. When the speeches started I actually listened. I listened to every word and every story and I cried for every person with their story because I am living everyone of them now. Never in a million years did I think I would be here. Then there was the lighting ceremony. There are these lanterns that are meant to be lit, hence light the night. And by the way, what beautiful weather it ended up being for the night, thank goodness. First their was a moment of silence for all of those that have passed from these horrible blood cancers and a tribute was made and all those that have lost someone lit their yellow lanterns and lifted them in the sky. There were what seemed like hundreds if not thousands and I cried. It was so beautiful and so sad and so surreal and then they called for the red lanterns that were for supporters and thousands lit and raised and the sky filled and then there was the call for the white lanterns and that was for me. Those that are living with or survivors of a blood cancer. There were many, but far fewer. but I lit my lantern and raised it and I cried a little more. And Leslie's Mom. Patti's Mom stood with me and hugged me and said I was not alone. I was crying and I told her that I didn't feel alone. And It is true. I don' feel alone I feel very supported. And I also said that there is way to many people here to need and that makes me so sad. I am so sad for all those families and their losses and their need for support. It took a while to get everyone walking but once we actually got to the lake there was a pause. I didn't know what was going on until I realized that the lake was now surrounded by all the walkers and everyone was looking at the reflection of the lanterns in the lake. It was a beautiful site and yes I cried some more. I walked and talked the whole time and yes it was all about Daniel which I suppose I am allowed to do on a night like tonight. I lost my mom at the beginning of the walk. Se told me she walked with a lady carrying an entire tray of macaroni and cheese (kind of unusual) that was a 30 year survivor, Matthew of course took off from the beginning and walked with all the kids which I as glad he did. That is his support. And I made it around the whole lake and had energy to spare and I am glad Matthew came and saw friends and am glad my parents came and saw the support that people can give Last night was a wonderful and happy and sad all at the same time. Just a flurry of emotion. I can't say enough to the Sidell and Robinson family and Hannah especially for including us in their special event. It means so much to me. I took the lanterns back to the hospital and told Daniel all about he night and they are now hanging in our room as night lights.
1 Comment
Baba
10/3/2014 11:04:20 pm
Nadine and Daniel, what can I say about that night, it was something that was such a wonderful experience, it was so warm, sad yet wonderful that there was so much support for so many people with different kinds of cancers. I walked around the park and I also had tears when you saw the lake surrounded by all those lights.unbelievable, they say there was over 8000, so it really light the night up. All about the fight and Daniel is a fighter. Love you both. Thank you for sharing that night.
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