Walking for a cause

"The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose."
Charles Dickens

Sunday was the annual Start! Walk for the American Heart Association. This year we raised a little over $1,600.00. The day was cold and gray again, similar to last year....brrr. This was our second year walking. There were not as many people in attendance this year. Along with my friend and co-captain of our team, I walked with my sister and her pup Marli. Marli is a chocolate Labradoodle...thus her mohawk looking hair doo! Marley enjoyed walking and greeting the people along the route.

I think I've mentioned that we walk in memory of my husband who died due to a stroke he suffered during an operation for a new heart valve. My friend Carol walks in memory of her late husband, Brian, who died of a massive heart attack and also for her 12 year old son who inherited his father's high cholesterol. Our husbands died 2 weeks apart back in 2002. Last year in light of the impending 5th year anniversary, I mentioned to Carol that I wanted to do something in a positive light and mentioned raising money and walking in the Heart Walk. She loved the idea and thought they needed a positive event too. Thus our team "Walkers With Heart" was born. It was a step in a positive direction not only for myself and for Carol but also for our children.

Carol's sons and my kids took off and ran most of the route. I had a wonderful brisk walk, and conversation with my sister. It is always nice to be able to catch up with one another in our busy lives. We walked the route in less than an hour and then we made our way to the ladies room and I spied something you don't normally see while in the ladies room....!!! So I just had to take a photo!

A picnic lunch and then a visit to my sister's house for the afternoon made the day complete.