First step

The name of this blog came from a children’s book of the same name.  It’s one of a set that Nolan, Becker & Kelly have in their mini-library (Hands are Not for Hitting, Feet are Not for Kicking, Germs are Not for Sharing, and Teeth are Not for Biting).  Right now the Hands & Feet books are two of their favorites, so we read and reread them nightly before bed.  They continue to get tickled when it’s time for me to act out all the things feet ARE used for (i.e. walking, leaping, landing, jumping, etc), while remaining committed to getting the message across that kicking your brothers (although a seemingly good solution to their sticky situations at times) is not cool.  Or OK with the moms.  The boys usually end up snug & cozy under their covers, drifting off to dreamland, while I end up out of breath and sweaty from my story hour workout.

I, too, love these books.  I feel good when I read them.  I appreciate their simple, yet significant, messages & the lessons they’re helping me teach my kids.  Over the past few weeks, I’ve begun to think more about what MY feet will be used for – in just 25 days. 

On October 21, just 3 days after my 38^th birthday, I’ll begin a walking journey of 60 miles.  It’ll take me 3 days to complete.  I’ll walk alongside my friends, Cati & Alice, and other members of our Team Diamond Stone.  We’ll begin at Stone Mountain, right outside of Atlanta, and end at Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves.  We’ll undoubtedly be wearing pink.  I’ll be armed with my camera and notebook (b/c I’m determined to document as many memorable encounters as possible).  We’re walking to raise awareness & money for breast cancer research.  We’ll be walking with other cancer survivors, their family & friends, and even family & friends of those who’ve lost their battle to cancer.  Imagine how many amazing stories there are to be told by this group.  Imagine the power & magnitude of just the sight of this group walking down the streets of Atlanta. 

AND

Imagine the pride & honor I will feel when I get to explain to my Nolan, Becker & Kelly what MY feet were used for during those 3 days?!  I simply used my feet for something bigger than we can comprehend.  I used my feet to stand up for my grandma, my aunts, my cousin, and many, many dear friends who’ve received the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.  I used my feet to send a message – loud & clear – out in to the universe.  We are not giving up without a fight. 

So, there are just 25 days till the walk.  And I’m halfway to my fundraising goal.  I am humbled by the overwhelming kindness & generosity of so many dear friends & family members who’ve already pledged to sponsor me.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

"Where you end up is not the most important thing. It’s the road you take to get there. The road is what you’ll look back on and call your life."  -Tim Willey

Xoxo,

Kim