7 Haikus for Relay for Life

My son, Gabe, and his wife, Heather, participated in Relay for Life this year for the Clow team.  (Heather is the Environmental Manager at Clow Water Systems.)  Gabe's goal was to run/walk the entire 24 hour event.  Heather's goal was to "crew" for Gabe, but also to run/walk as much of it as she could--especially when he was in need of support.  By the end of the 24 hours, Gabe had logged about 86 miles and Heather about 30.  It was a powerful experience.  They were deeply touched by the response they got from other participants who expressed their gratitude by cheering them on and giving Gabe t-shirts and a colorful bead necklace custom made for him. 

Kevin and I went over and walked with them for about an hour on Friday night, and then we went back late Saturday afternoon to walk the last hour or so with them.  Here are several haikus that I "found" as we walked:

a chilly spring night

sounds of many feet walking

and someone singing

falling into step

old and new friends--the sun will

set and rise again

candles in milk jugs

illuminating the path

toward healing and hope

the smoke from campfires

rising like a memory

people draw closer

life and death unfold

around a small boy building

houses in the dirt

heat of black asphalt

you in your bright yellow shoes

shining like the sun

your eyes get misty

lack of sleep and a string of

many colored beads

About 23 hours into it

Kevin, Gabe, and Heather

Will he ever be able to get up again?



Clow earned a Bronze Team Fundraising Level

Still smiling after 24 hours!