I DID IT!! I did it! I did it!!

In October of 2007, when David died, our family committed to walking in the Relay for Life the following June. See, just four short months before his death, David had taken to the track on a muggy June evening in Nebraska to walk in the "Survivor's Lap". Just moments before, he'd gotten to introduce himself, his cancer, and his years survived over the PA system. My favorite photograph is of him making the rounds, his big smile and shaved head a testament to his battle.
Last year's Relay was difficult, to say the least. The Survivor's Lap was heartbreaking - because we knew that David would have wanted to be there and we certainly wished he were. Our team, though, was a Gold Fundraising team, and recognized in a variety of ways for the amount of funds were were able to raise for the American Cancer Society.
This year, I've broken new ground. This year I'm the proud member of the "Grand Club." My total at this moment is $1,021.00. I involved my friends in a friendly competition of "Who gets to embarass Monica", I begged everyone I know for just $5, and I look forward with glee to whatever embarassment is bestowed upon me. It's an honor to wear goofy buttons, to write the names of the people for whom I walk on my shirt, and to spend 4 laps of the many I walk that night doing whatever the largest donator wants me to do (short of gymnastics: my back's not that great you know).
Last June, I thought I'd walk in Relay for Life for the rest of my life for David. To honor his memory. This year, I realize, I'm walking for David, yes, but also for myself. And for these people:

In memory of Patty Floan.
For Tof.
In loving memory of Floyd Minnick
For Julia, my Kiwi friend.
For Bud Henricksen, my pal Carrie's father who, as of this moment, fights the good fight.
In memory of Vi Kershner.
In memory of Mark McCarville.
In memory of my buddy Jan's godfather.
For the survivors in my life.
In memory of Corinne.
In memory and honor of many, many, more.

And finally, in loving memory, honor, and glory of David Bronstad. You will be missed, kind sir, missed a great deal, but what you have created here blossoms, blooms, spins out from you and into the world like a series of small miracles. For that, we are exceedingly grateful.