dream team

I'm writing this in the morning to post later this evening, I won't be here. I'll be with my Jersey Girls, walking all night to raise money for cancer research.

Cancer sucks, folks. That's the long and the short of it. I've been reminded again this week of how much it really truly does suck. I've been fine preparing for the Relay for Life. I've tried to be the best team captain I can, sending out messages and encouragement to my team. I am so very mindful and appreciative of them taking on this challenge with me. I know they are all here because I asked them to be and that is simply amazing to me. I love each and everyone of those girls. This morning as I started putting together the pieces that I will need tonight I was feeling overwhelmed and more than a tad weepy. I started thinking about what I am doing and who I'm doing it for. Their faces have been flashing through my mind all morning as I wipe the tears away. I know every girl on my team is holding someone close to their heart today.... I know I am holding many, ones I've lost, ones who triumphed and ones who are just starting to fight.

Many of you already know that we've raised enough money to be classified a dream team. I am beyond proud of my girls for this. I knew we had it in us. The thing about these girls is... they were already my dream team. Each and every one of them has opened their heart and their lives to me in friendship... heck it's more than friendship. They have seen me through the best and the worst, they've laughed and cried with me, helped me out, encouraged me, supported me and let me enjoy their company. My life is better because of them. I am better because of them.

Robin - I love her like a sister. She is generous to a fault. Never skimpy with the hugs. Always supports me in everything I do. Everyone deserves to have a person like her in their life. She's is the best friend you could ever ask for and I am so lucky she's mine.

ML - I am thankful every day that we took that leap and turned our friendship up a notch. We've run in the same circles for many years, but never really connected outside of the casual chat when we'd bump into each other. She and Robin are similar in a lot of ways. She's just a heart on her sleeve kind of a girl who would give you the shirt of her back if you needed it.

Karen - It's never an easy adjustment when you add a new sibling to the family.... try it on for size when you and the new sister are teenagers. Yep, we're a blended family. I never imagined I'd grow to love her as I do. She's just fantastic and I'm so glad to claim her as mine.

Heather - Is one of the funniest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She is incredibly generous and gives the best hugs. I love that she's always up for whatever adventure comes our way and I'm grateful that she came into my life.

Jen - I've known Jen forever and her husband even longer than that. They are the kinds of friends that when life gets in the way we can still pick back up where we left off when it slows down. I also love that she's a super great sport about all the stuff I manage to talk her into.

Sherry - Sherry comes as a package deal with ML, what with them being sisters and all. We connected right away and her husband is my internet BFF. She's got a great big heart and is always willing to jump in and help no matter what's going on.

Jenni - JJ is the best neighbour you could ask for. I can't tell you how much sugar, flour, cough medicine, tinfoil, tie tying skills have been passed back and forth between our houses. She's always willing to let my wild girls over to play at her place. It's another relationship I'm happy we turned up a notch.

Iona - Another package deal friend, she came along with Robin many many years ago. Two for one deals are the best aren't they? She's just so much fun and never skimpy with the hugs. I'm lucky to have met her.

Am I lucky or what? Thanks ladies for being my Dream Team.