October has become my favorite month. It welcomes the holiday season, which everyone loves, and it is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month (P.A.I.L.). Its strange to think that I love it, but I can't change that I am part of that community so I might as well participate in it so I am not alone in my grief.
This year I did something different than last and attended ALL the local Walk to Remembers. At first I was a little apprehensive thinking it was going to be too much emotionally, but as each weekend passed with another Walk to Remember I realized it was the best idea and hope to be able to do it again next year.
The first Walk to Remember was in Orange County. I can't say which was my favorite since they were all so wonderful in their own way. I loved Orange County (minus the Santa Ana winds... YIKES). Carly Marie was there!!! Might have been the best part. I am not one to care about celebrities, but I guess she isn't like a movie star. Someone at her booth suggested I wait for her to come back and I am so glad I did.
I instantly got teary eyed... She was just wonderful to meet. To find out more about Carly Marie check out http://carlymarieprojectheal.com/
Something else I loved about this Walk was the book Special Delivery. It is a free children's book to help children understand infant loss... Get your free copy at http://www.specialdeliverybook.org/
The next Walk to Remember was at Loma Linda Children's Hospital. Many of my friends from my local support group was there which made for a nice Sunday Afternoon. I think my favorite part of this one was the Dove Release. I am not sure why... I just really liked it.
The last Walk to Remember was one near and dear to my heart. Some really good friends came along to make the day extra special... and of course my brother to help with the booth (Thanks Crockett for giving up a Saturday morning for me).
Unfortunately, my camera died so the other pics are on my phone and others phones and all over. Next year I will charge my battery between each Walks just to be sure : )
Last the RUN part... The first three weekends were full of Walks and the last was a Half Marathon in Boulder City, Nevada. I trained for this race, but I have come to a conclusion I am not a runner... But then again who is. I still want to thank my team and especially Dan and Dennis for coming to run with me the last half mile. I ran with wings and a halo to stick with the P.A.I.L. theme.
