It is that time of the year—Relay for Life.
I don’t know how it is in your part of the country, but in Garner, North Carolina, it seems like everybody is involved in Relay for Life in one way or another. After all the counting is done, this small town will raise nearly a quarter of a million dollars for the American Cancer Society—the largest contributor in all of Wake County.
Jane and I have been involved in Relay for Life through our church, community, schools, and Rotary for years, but this year it was a little different. My daughter, Elaine, came to walk ‘the survivor’s walk.’ She is an 18-month survivor of breast cancer and announced that to the crowd, along with scores of others; and with each announcement came the audience’s applause. It seems as if everyone there was ‘touched’ by this scourge. And each witness became a sign and a hope that one day cancer will be defeated.
When Elaine came near the end of the survivor’s walk, she noticed me standing along the path, applauding. She began to weep, and motioned us to come and walk with her. Jane and I, with our arms around our daughter, walked and wept together—thanking God for all the kind providences that have presided over all our lives. It was a good ‘moment’—a divine moment.
And we intend to ‘walk’ as much as we can, for as long as we can, and whenever we can, not only for this cause, but for the love of a daughter who looks to the future with radiance and resolve. And I suspect that all the moments left to us in this journey will be grace-filled moments—and one of them came this morning after church. A lady who was at the event said, “It was so good to see you walking with your daughter on Friday night.” I smiled and said, “Thank you… I have been walking with her in just about every corner of her life’s experiences, and that ‘walk’ was the most precious.”
So, walk often with those you love. Enjoy the trip. It’ll last forever and ever!
A Little Different
When it’s your daughter
out there in the Cancer Walk,
it’s a little different.
Probably it won’t be out there
‘cause you’ll be in there,
holding hands with
your eighteen-month survivor
as her children applaud each mile.
That’s what we do
down in Garner, NC—
walk and run relays
to stomp out disease by any name,
raise $$ by the thousands
to ease the pain of others.
It’s a little different
when the whole town comes out
and says We’ve had it with this disease,
enough already—we are the victors!
People like this stare cancer down,
and when they see a father crying
as he proudly strides
With his 46 yr old daughter,
her mother overwhelmed with gratitude
as the smile on that daughter
swells in pride and profound relief—
like I say, they stare cancer down
down here in Garner, North Carolina,
and restore families
to the thrill of life.
Men and women of faith
see this as a divine parade,
a memorial to the miracle of healing.
The secular world says
No problem with that—
let us help, too—
we’re part of this family.
It was a little different
on this particular Friday night—
you see, it was my daughter out there,
out there a long time,
preparing for this walk.
There were moments
we didn’t know
if the calendar would give us this night.
We were out there—
lost and stumbling—
but on this particular Friday night
we were very much together.
Through my tears
I could see the incredible beauty
on the perfect body
of my holy child-
I was and am
the proudest father in the world.
Written by Uncle Bill Killian and Chuck Killian
For my daughter and niece, Elaine Killian Olsen
Garner, North Carolina
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
What a precious post! Relay is such an emotional time. We participated a few times after my Daddy’s diagnosis. That survivor lap just about did me in with the emotion of it all. God bless you, Elaine and Mr. Chuck
It really took me by surprise, Leah, that survivor’s lap. I hadn’t anticipated the strong emotions I would feel. I felt alone, but then I felt loved. I don’t think anyone’s ever cheered for me like that!
That admonition – “walk with those you love” – settled deep into my heart. I did just that for too short a time this week, so the significance of those words was fresh and raw.
Your father’s (and uncle’s) words and your own experience combined powerfully here. Message heard. Lesson in progress.
Rebecca… I know I’ve written about this before, but I’ve often reflected on the fact that just when my mom thought her best mothering days behind her, life turned on a dime and required more of her. These have been my mother’s best mothering days. They might be yours as well as you walk through these difficult times with your children and grandchildren! Prayers this morning continuing for sweet Silas.
I have never taken part in this walk, but oh, has this post made me want to be a part of such a special celebration! How I would have loved to seen this in person. I have to tell you, the love between you and your parents just radiates, and inspires me deeply to walk even closer to those I love. Rejoicing anew in your healing, and grateful to be a witness of the grace that flows from your life.
Good to “see” you and hear from you, friend! I’ve always supported Relay but to actually be a participant… well, that’s quite another thing altogether. Very humbling experience; very meaningful as well. Shalom, Tracy!
Oh, my….tears…and a full heart…precious post…overflowing with love and victory!
Lots of victory, love, and support. I was overwhelmed by the moment.
Elaine,
As I read this, I could see your parents, standing on the sidelines, then joining you to walk. So powerful and emotional for me, reading, so I can only imagine what it was like for all of you. The Lord was, and is, right there with you.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
I wish you could meet my parents, Brenda. I have a feeling you would enjoy them and they you! They are precious to me.
Great post for your honor Elaine! Relay for Life in Wayne county begins tomorrow night. We will be thinking of you and your sweet spirit as we walk the track! It has grown so much here, that it will be at the fairgrounds this year. I cannot wait to read your new book, as I know it will be an inspiration for us all! Love you!
Karen Bloodsworth
I’ll miss you all this year; wish we could be there. It’s just hard to come back… but I’ll be with you in spirit. Love to Bob!
You are a rich woman! What a beautiful story from the heart of your dad. One you will treasure always. This was a walk that none of you will ever forget. I love to see his writing, it always reminds me of my dad. You and I are blessed.
And the walk continues… with so much ahead.
Love you friend, and I see the new book right below. I’m going there now to see deatils.
xo
We are blessed, Sonja. No details on the book yet, but it’s coming soon. Thanks for all the support!
Precious, Elaine, just precious. Praying for many more walks to be enjoyed with your parents!
Thanks, Cheryl. So grateful to have my parents close by!!!
Elaine,
How powerful those times of walking and weeping, remembering and thanking. May lots of money have been raised!
Your headline verse of “Peace I give to you, My peace I leave you” from John sounds wonderful to me tonight. Thank you.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
The peace that Jesus offers far surpasses anything the world can give us. Lean into Christ’s peace this day, Jennifer.
VERY touching Elaine! How awesome to have parents whose lives are still so intertwined with yours! I so much would love to be able to share feelings with abandon as you all seem to be able to do! My upbringing was to “hold up” and “hold on” and not show your emotions. I have overcome a lot of that but it still colors a lot of what I do! What a blessing your parents are to you and you are to them! That’s the way it should be!
Went to visit with a friend yesterday who just found out three weeks ago that she has cancer. In her back and lungs. A rare type and I can’t even say (or write) the kind. She was told last Friday that it’s stage four. She is a sweet Christian and wants God to be glorfied in it all. But she’s scared. As would anyone be. Would you please pray for her? Her name is Peggy. Thanks!
Absolutely, Marilyn! Feel free to e-mail any details. Prayers for Peggy.
I loved this! Family is a beautiful blessing and the support that comes with it.
Love the new look! I have been out of bloggy world for a bit, I am going to try and catch up.
Blessings, friend!
Can I say, I think you are BEAUTIFUL?!!!
This was so sweet, and moving…
Blessings,
katiegfromtennessee
wifeforthejourney, friends & family:
Elaine, I love what your father has written and as soon as I saw the poem I knew your Uncle Bill had a hand in the work as well. Part of the whole cancer journey has been that we have shared it with so many. Obviously, not everyone has been as close at hand as our family in and through this battle with cancer, but it is a blessing to see that even with the passage of time, the love and support remain.
Thanks Chuck; thanks Bill – your presence with us from right up the road in Garner and across the miles from Arizona means more to us than you will know. Certainly many people would discount your offering because you’re family – being supportive in a crisis is what you’re “supposed” to do – but Elaine and I know different. There are to many cancer survivors we have met who don’t have anyone around to cheer them on, or hold their hands, or help carry them through. So, thanks be to God for His marvelous grace and for those who are willing (from near and far) to make efforts great and small to remind those stricken with cancer that when they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, they are not walking alone.
Love to you all,
Billy
Well, I’m one big crying mess! What a beautiful, touching post. There’s nothing like a father’s love for his children!
I’m so proud of you, Elaine…wish I had been there to walk with you!
Beyond precious.