Newsworthy
New to town,(Iuka, Mississippi) I ventured to the Iuka post office, Low and behold what did I see? Could it be a purple toilet? Or as the locals fondly call such personal apparatus: A Commode.
I asked inside the post office what it all meant.
"The Commode appears outside business here in Iuka, and we have to pay $20 to get it taken away. It is a fund raiser for Relay for Life."
(It was further explained to me there is a reason the Purple commode is wrapped in cellophane; which really needed no further comment here as to why—other than there are still a lot of wisenhymers left in the world who would take advantage of said-apparatus, giving meaning to: "out house")
I was in luck, a few days later I was invited to share in the festivities at the famous Mineral Springs Park in town. What better place to have the Relay for Life celebration than a park known for its healing waters.My new friend Ruby, who is a survivor, shows off the T-Shirt given to all survivors.
The theme of The Relay for Life event this year was "I dream of Jeannie." This themed T-shirt was made available for all to wear in support of Relay for Life.A wonderful supper was given in honor of the survivors to celebrate Life.
A lovely spread of Mississippi-style chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, 7-layer salad, and of course (being in the South) SWEET tea! (I had unsweet)
Everyday was a birthday!
The local businesses set up amazing displays. A demonstration of the positive attitude and fellowship of the town. Fun, creative, attractive; all worth a 2nd look and made me smile. Life is indeed what you make it, even while faced with the trial and challenge of cancer. To survive then step out into a life reborn, willing to celebrate the fact you are indeed here to live life to the fullest.
Everybody manning the booths had a great time! Laughter and smiles all around!
There was great music from the stage with a band, and line dancing.
The dancers were the famous: The Hobo High Steppers.
Free form dancing was also afoot!
Songs included: "Country Boy," "Twist & Shout," "Celebrate."
Blow up castles and slides where available to the younger children.
One highlight of this was a toddler decided to strip and go streaking with her mom chasing after her to catch her! Ah innocence! Plenty of parents were chucking over that—no doubt blissfully happy it wasn't their precious one running naked through the crowd!
I learned the skateboard section of the park was provided for by the generosity of professional skateboarder Tony Hawk.
Horse and Buggy Rides were the rage at the event.
This is my new friend Clyde.
Survivors and their families, as well as caretakers were allotted free rides to see the sites
.
The Relay for Life Walk itself was what we were here for. Survivors, living, individually and with family and friends at their side. All these people have one thing in common. They understand life is meant to be lived and celebrated. Those walking, those in booths, business or visitors. All joined by humanity and the basic understanding that life is a blessing and not to be taken lightly.
Survivors were called, celebrated their lives and years past the point of cancer-discovery; then walked the track of lit lights. I am here. That is what was unsaid and felt, as we watched the relay. Theses are people; not statistics. Each one of these survivors could very well be any one of you dear reader. Quite a reality that is.
What better testimony to being alive than holding your grandson?
Dedicated to those who appreciate life. An to those who fought a good fight.
Life is worth holding onto.
Thank you too Jimmie for being there when I had my own reality to face and your prayers with me. That made a difference. Thank you to Chas and the Elders at Living Hope Church when my world crumbled. I am stronger due to your support as well as the experience.
