March to the Arch

March to the Arch September 11, 2010. I was fortunate enough to meet up with the group of people at the end of the March to the Arch. My friend and I parked near the Arch, and then walked to Union Station where we were able to join the walkers, and walk BACK to the Arch with them. It was such a humbling day. As I was stumbling while walking I was beginning to have a pity party. Then I thought of the huge sacrifice made on that day and WHY we were walking, and I decided I didn’t care if I only walked one block, I would do so with me head held high.

I met up with a new friend on the walk - a woman I began emailing at the suggestion of her trainer. She is a Lymphoma survivor, and had never worked out a day in her life. She is doing FANTASTIC. I told her soon we will be making the Cougar Rounds together. ;)

I was able to wear my Superman tee-shirt in honor of my favorite Marine, Jared McGowen – a DFM trainer, and walk with him a bit. When you see him, ask him the meaning of the Superman shirt. (Look, up in the air!)

The friend who went with me on the walk just recently mentioned needing to start working out again – so we have been meeting up on Saturdays at the gym closer to her. It is wonderful for both of us because it gives me a change of pace, and makes BOTH of us get up on Saturday morning and go (thanks Linda). :)

At the end of the walk I met a wonderful woman in a wheelchair who also has MS. We were able to talk a bit and I was able to share part of my journey. We are going to become cyber buddies first, and then I said next year I don’t care if it is 100 ft.; we are going to do part of the walk together. I KNOW it.

I’ve said all of this to show that there is someone next to you who just needs some encouragement. Sometimes it’s just a friend wanting to regain her health. Sometimes it is a new friend who is desperately looking for hope. But look around today and find someone who needs what you have. And give it to them. You will never regret it. And as you walk today, remember what a blessing the simple act of walking is.

Thank you to all of our first responders.