Shades of Pink

I used to think of the color pink as being too girly, too feminine, and have always preferred other colors. Now, I see pink, in all its' shades, as being so much more. It is a color of strength, courage, faith, hope, and love. It is a color that represents the millions of lives touched by breast cancer. Now, when I see pink, I think of the beautiful, strong women in my life who have fought this battle. I think of my aunts. I think of my friends.

Today was the start of the 3-Day Walk, benefiting the "Susan G. Komen For the Cure" and the fight to end breast cancer. Every year the route goes right past our neighborhood. My friend, Whitney, who is a breast cancer survivor, walked in it again this year. Her doctors recently discovered a huge mass on her ovary so they will be doing a hysterectomy to remove it and do a biopsy. She is 31, with a husband, a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I find it a remarkable testimony to her courage that she delayed her surgery so that she could participate in the 3 day walk this weekend.
I really felt compelled to support and cheer on the amazing women and men walking for such a great cause. The kids and I (wearing pink - well, not Justin) walked across the street to wave to, and greet all of the participants as they passed by. Norah and Justin were too busy eating their cereal to do much waving, but they did make a lot of people smile! We even got to see Whitney and give her a hug as she walked by, looking gorgeous in her pink cowgirl hat!

Norah got a pink boa from one lady, and both babies got animal crackers from two other ladies! Justin was not impressed with the boa at all, but loved the food! As you can see, Norah loved her new accessory!

We got to see some really cool cars and motorcycles all decked out, but only got a picture of one. Our favorite was actually the one with a pirate theme, saying "Protect Our Chests"!!!

Please keep Whitney in your prayers, along with all of those whose lives have been forever changed by breast cancer.

We love you Aunt Paula!