In memory of Jean…a husband’s reflections

One of the joys of my 3-Day journey is sharing the experience with my husband, George. This year marks our 14^th walk together, and the weekend always brings us joy for the life we share. We know how fortunate we are that neither of us has had to fight cancer, and we hold hands a little tighter each time we see a walker who has lost their soul mate.

Bob S. began his 3-Day story with his wife Jean, as members of the 3-Day Crew in 2002. He walked again in 2010 and 2011, and made his 5^th 3-Day journey in Chicago this summer. When Jean died of breast cancer in 2009, Bob channeled his immeasurable sorrow into conviction to continue the fight. Like many other walkers, he walks with the memory of his wife in his heart. Here’s what Bob had to share with me about Jean.

Bob remembers his wife, Jean, and shares their 3-Day story.

“As I write this, it is the 4th anniversary of Jean’s funeral. It’s hard to describe the loss unless one has experienced it.”

“Many people ask, ‘Why me?’ Jean’s response was always, ‘Why NOT me? 200,000 women a year are diagnosed. Who said I get a pass?”

“Jean did everything right. Doctors. Surgeries. Chemo. Radiation. All western medicine has to offer. In 2009 Jean came home from her last hospital stay, and died 8 days later. I was holding her hand when she took her last breath. She was too weak to speak the last 2 days – but when she could speak she had two sentences – ‘It is time,’ and ‘Take me quickly.’ Jean’s faith pulled us through. She had been a Catholic Nun, and I a Catholic Priest – prayer and faith helped us greatly. Jean would have loved to be at Haley’s First Communion – our only grandchild.”

“3-Day participants are not random people who happen along. The 3-Day family is made up of people with a very personal experience with cancer. They are survivors, families, and spouses like me. It is the openness and support – the sense of family – that gives me great memories. The Remembrance Tent in particular is always a special place to remember Jean.”

We asked Bob what he looked forward to this year when he walked in Chicago. “Reaching the finish on Day 3 and entering the holding area at Soldier Field is very special. Another year finished, more memories, and more funds raised.” Well done, Bob. You – and Jean – are an inspiration!

Do you walk in memory of a loved one? Are there other husbands and wives who share their 3-Day journey? Please share your special 3-Day moments in the comments below.

Sharing our 3-Day journey since 2002.

Lee and Kathy Giller at the 2013 Cleveland 3-Day.

3-Day Friendships – Powered by Optimism

Amy B is one of thousands of 3-Day walkers who registered for her first 3-Day as an individual, and joined a team to meet others. Little did she realize that those friendships would last well beyond her first 60 miles! I asked Amy to share her story of finding lifelong friendships as a 3-Day walker.

Amy B and her 3-Day team, Powered By Optimism.

When she first joined the San Diego 3-Day in 2008, Amy didn’t know anyone else who was walking. “I was approached by a team captain trying to grow her team, and jumped on. I met so many great people from my very first training walk that I knew that was the way to go!

Switching cities didn’t stop Amy from making new friends. “In 2009, I walked in Seattle, and found a small team accepting out of town participants. I joined them so I was not alone on the event. I got to learn from others all the tips and tricks of making the walk more enjoyable. But the very best part is the wonderful friendships and bonds that I have made along the way.”

Inspired by the team captains she met, Amy became one herself. “When I returned to the 2010 San Diego 3-Day I created the team Powered By Optimism because I think that teams are where the magic happens.”

Becoming a training walk leader also helped Amy meet even more new friends. “I know the importance of training and the fun of doing it with others, so I also signed up to be a training walk leader. That is how I met many new walkers and grew my team. That first year we were a tight knit team of 23. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that Powered by Optimism would turn into what it is this year. We currently have 93 team members!”

Amy’s team’s friendships were forged on training walks. “Not only are we getting stronger for our 3-Day weekend, we are also growing stronger friendships. We share hundreds of training miles together, and have time to connect with great people. Sharing our stories – both amazing and amusing – helps us through some very long training walks. And once you get to the event, you already have a little family of familiar faces.”

Over the years, the 3–Day friendships survive and thrive. “I have known a few teammates since the 2008 3-Day and many since the 2010 and we are undoubtedly now life-long friends. We hike in the off-season, and we’ve taken trips and retreats together. I have a pretty big circle of friends, but most of my best friends are from the 3-Day.”

Not surprisingly, Amy thinks being on a team is the best part of the 3-Day. “Just as you wouldn’t take a trip to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower, I wouldn’t suggest doing the 3-Day and not joining a team. Don’t get me wrong, the event itself is amazing and life-changing. But if you join a team and join training walks, you will certainly make new friends – and do a little self-discovery too. Again, that’s where the magic happens.”

Friendship and fun at the Twin Cities 3-Day.

Are you a registered 3-Day participant looking for a team or training partner? Our 3-Day Friend Finder and Training Walk Calendar are at your service. Like Amy, your new friendships may last a lifetime.

Have you made lifelong friendships on your 3-Day journey? Please leave a reply in the comments section below

Goose Bump Moments

I asked our 3-Day coaches, as well as some of the 3-Day participants I’ve interviewed for this blog, to share a special memory – a goose bump moment – which they cherish. Their responses illustrate the “magic” that is the 3-Day.

Jane R. “One of my favorite 3-Day goose bump moments is being a part of the human chute that walkers form at the end of the 3-Day to welcome those reaching the finish line later in the day.” Veteran walkers – I’m sure you know the magic she’s talking about. First-timers – just wait! You’re in for a beautiful surprise.