We remember and we honour

The luminaries are a really special part of Relay for Life. Come darkness, we all lit candles inside paper bags all around the track in honour of those we've lost. We had a few luminaries for Mom and some of Meaghan's family's friends in front of our camp site. The piper went around the track as we lit the candles and those twinkling lights kept us going through the darkest part of the night.



There was a special row in honour of survivors. I was delighted to be with Meaghan when she lit hers because I am just so proud of the way she fought breast cancer with grace and determination. This is her second year lighting a Survivor luminary and we're going to keep lighting them for her every year.

At the beginning of the night, as part of the opening ceremonies, the MC discussed why the Relay is an overnight event. She explained that walking all night is like battling cancer. That we rally together and fight at the beginning but it's hard work and people get tired. And it's so important to keep fighting in those darkest moments, no matter how tired we are, because the dawn comes and there is hope again. And it was those words that were in my mind when I roused at 4:30 AM and realized that Meaghan was walking alone (pushing a stroller full of sleeping 4 year old) and rather than staying in my nice warm sleeping bag I got up to keep her company through that last darkness. Of course my Dad showed up not 5 minutes later... obviously he had the same idea. Not everyone wins their battle, but our team name was Chapter 4 (you know, Star Wars, A New Hope? Yes, we're geeks) because we're keeping that hope alive.

Thanks to all of you who donated, walked, supported our garage sale and lemonade stand, and just plain cheered us on in your heads. Together, we CAN give hope.