A Walk In The Park...
It was an exceptionally warm October day on Sunday. Feeling more like early September than late October. A beautiful day with sunshine coupled with leaves changing color. My family (3 of us; my son, my husband and I) went for a walk in the park.
We were not alone. Hundreds (perhaps even close to a thousand) people were gathered there. None of us were there because it was such a lovely autumn day. (Although that certainly helped.) We were there for the first (to our town) Out of the Darkness Community Walk to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1196&eventID=4896)
We were not alone. Hundreds (perhaps even close to a thousand) people were gathered there. None of us were there because it was such a lovely autumn day. (Although that certainly helped.) We were there for the first (to our town) Out of the Darkness Community Walk to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1196&eventID=4896)
If you didn't know better you'd think
it was a huge party of some sort. There were so many people! There
was so much love...hugs and conversation. A few tears fell too. Some great
music was playing (and I wasn't afraid to shake my booty). There was a
celebratory air. And in some ways it was a celebration; a celebration of
what CAN be achieved when we work together to get a message out. When we
halt silly stigmas and fears to listen, talk, console and comfort; just see
what wonderful things can happen.
The
event was a PROCLAMATION! Every single person there was dedicated to getting
the message out. Spreading the word that each and every one of us was
supporting the mission of AFSP (https://afsp.org/) This throng of people
was committed to save lives and bring hope.
It
was a loud DECLARATION! You are NOT alone. If only those who are no
longer with us could have seen the throng of people. We are NOT
alone. It may feel that way in the moments of darkness (and we ALL have
them at one time or another), but you/we are NOT alone. Each one of us
has a purpose and meaning. Each life touches another. While it may
seem like one "small" person cannot make an impact, this event was
living proof that they can.
As
we walked together, we enveloped the park. The path around the park's
lake was crowded with people of all ages and races. As my small family
was toward the front of the "line" I was able to look back as we
turned at one end of the lake and I could see the path full of walkers.
And even more who had not yet started to walk. It was a line of
love. A line of caring. It was a wave of people DETERMINED to make
a difference.
It
may have been the first walk for our town, but I doubt as if it will be the
last. I KNOW it is just the first small step for my family. Who ever thought at
team of three could raise over $800 in funds? See where passion can lead
you! And personally my heart is filled with love and gratefulness for all
wonderful and supportive friends we have! To each and every one of you: THANK YOU! While raising money is important, knowing that so many were with us in spirit/prayer/thought meant more.
I
am proud to live in a community where so many are committed to raising
awareness. Where so many are dedicated to DOING something.
And this
is just the beginning...
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