Pearls are Forever...

As many of you know, I am very active with Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. For the past 8 years I have participated in this event ... walking, crewing, stalking... It's very near to my heart. During this time I have meet thousands of people who have left a permanent mark on my heart. Their stories, their smiles, their tears... we have shared together. We are all connected by one disease and the desire for a cure. We support those who have fought the battle and continue to, for those who lost someone to the battle and for those who should never have to fight the battle. We are a 3-Day family!

Yesterday, one of our family members posted her good-bye.

Ms. Bridget Spence has been a huge impact in all of our lives. She was diagonsed at the age of 21 with Stage IV Breast Cancer with no family history of the disease. Today, she is 29 years old (an age no doctor thought she would see) with a wonderful husband, adorable puppy and incredibly loving family. But what is truly amazing about Bridget is her infectious smile and undetered courage and strength. She has gone through treatments and surgerys and clinical trials to find a cure... not necessarily for her but for all ofus.

Her blog post has hit me like a ton of bricks.... "It is time for me to ask each of you to let me go. It is time to say goodbye." Wow! This courageous, brave soul is asking our persmission to let her go. This request shows us the kind of woman Bridget is... totally self-less. Well, Ms. Bridget, it's time for you to be a little selfish... time for you and your Big Man to spend that time together. No matter where it is - tropically beach or living room couch - it's time for you!

Her last line is what haunts me - "Please, don't forget about me." We all have a legacy we leave, a mark with make on the world no matter how big or small. Ms. Bridget, your mark is HUGE! You are like the sun the greets us every Friday morning of event... there to fill our day with light and love! You will never be forgotten.

And yes, to prove that Right Place, Right Time is so true - this morning after donning my pearls (double set for strength), my morning commute was capped with the great Simple Minds song "Don't You Forget about Me" on the radio... fate or Right Place, Right Time!

Peace and Love Ms. Bridget! You will never be forgotten!