Beauty is All Around

Peoria, Illinois celebrated its twenty-second Race for the Cure yesterday. My mother, sister, and myself have participated in many of the races over the years. Still, after all the years, I can't quite figure out how to describe the mixture of sadness, awe, and hope that mingles within the chest at the sight of the literally thousands of women and men gathering on the streets of the city. It's an incredibly moving experience that lingers.

My niece and nephew joined us for the first time yesterday. Being only three weeks old, William was unimpressed, and he slept through the majority of it. Lydia, however, was more aware. I know she didn't understand what was happening around her, but she was there.

If the Race has its way, they'll find a cure, and she never will have to understand.

I run for hope,

I run to feel,

I run for the truth,

For all that is real,

I run for your mother, your sister, your wife,

I run for you, and me, my friend,

I run for life.

"I Run For Life"

Melissa Etheridge