"Did you win???"

I started to laugh as I heard this question from an innocent (approximately)8 year old girl in the Olive Garden bathroom.  She had asked why everyone was wearing pink shirts with numbers and without going into too much detail, I let her know there was a community event where people showed support and raised money while running in a race and the numbers identified each runner/walker.  I was washing my hands from a celebratory lunch with family and friends after participating in Portland's annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  It's been a fun day.

Dylan, Presley and I met up with my super fabulous friend of 15+ years, Angie, and my wonderful sis who each had their family with them.  I hadn't decided to join this event until just a few days before, but after prodding from both of these precious ladies, I felt that this was a great way to spend the day.  Although my treatments, tests, and surgeries feel long behind me, it still hasn't been a year since my diagnosis and this seemed an appropriate way to wrap up a turbulent year.  The weather continuing to bless us with bright sunshine really helped make the decision easy.

Everyone in our group was dressed in inspirational pink and gave me such pride to see their support for my recovery (aren't those Eaton boys the cutest??!!  Especially their pink hair!!!).  It is overwhelming how loyal and thoughtful great friends can be!  This event is so huge (one of the reasons I wasn't planning on participating---it's a madhouse!) and I absolutely LOVE seeing all the strong women and their devoted friends and family dressed for the occasion.  Humor plays such a critical role in the outfits carefully chosen and I am always brought to tears several times by touching stories of victory, as well as loss, throughout the festivities.

Although there were a gazillion people walking the 5K and the pace was mind-numbingly slow, I enjoyed catching up with Michele and Ang and celebrating survivors for their various journeys.  (I did NOT enjoy the stretch that housed the overpowering smell of urine from 'alternative' Portland residents......so intoxicating!!!)  The kids loved high-5'ing the cheerleaders scattered throughout the route, but took turns being lazy by riding in the double jogging stroller that Angie was navigating.

After the walk, we scoured around looking for free loot (be honest, it's a great perk to these events), then made our way to lunch.  Even though to say we even raised our heartrate during the walk would be a stretch, our civic duty more than earned us a celebratory lunch and everyone agreed that the Rivas's annual tradition of hitting the Never Ending Pasta Bowl at Olive Garden was a great idea.

So after stuffing myself full of soup, breadsticks, pasta and countless potty breaks (courtesy of Dylan and Presley), I stand at the sink thinking about just what this year and this race has meant.....to answer the question of that 8 year old......why yes....in light of it all.....yes I did :)