The true meaning of “labor of love” came into fruition once again in my life when we walked today. Six miles is a really, really, REALLY long time. I’m not sure why they make the walk so long, but it is and although by mile three I thought my shoes had turned into hot burning coals below my feet, I still continued on because how could I not?
My feet have been up all afternoon, I have blisters on my feet and throbbing muscles in my legs, I’m tired and I have a sun burn. But we had Papa John’s and Miller Lite tonight and a day dedicated to our precious boys. I have to say, this day could not have been much better. (although, I wish we weren’t there at all, if you now what I mean.)
There were hundreds of people walking today, honoring someone, somewhere and it was unbelievably beautiful.
But my God, I wish I could put into words the love that I felt deep into my soul walking with so many amazing people. And not just walking side by side with these people, but also hearing the cheers from people via twitter & email and knowing that so many people expressed their love with a donation to our team.
I often wonder what I did to deserve losing James and Jake, did I give someone a dirty look? Did I lie? What did I do? Haven’t I always been a good person? But on the other hand? I also wonder what I did to be so loved by so many people.
When they died I never imagined that anything good could EVER come out of their deaths. And then I reflect on today and realize that these two boys, their spirit and their presence ARE the the good that came out of their death. It’s painfully beautiful.
It’s a gift. One that I hold very, very close to my heart. But not as close as the gift of so many people who really love James and Jake. Knowing THAT is what helps me sleep at night.
Speaking of sleep. That is just what I need right now.
Just look at this beautiful team.
There are TONS of photos from today’s walk right here. Please feel free to take a look and guess what? You can comment on the pictures which is just fun for everyone. And I have to warn you, there are so many pictures of me up there that I’m uncomfortable sending you over there, but I will anyway. You’re welcome.
I mean, I’m sorry.
____
Thank you for all of the love.
Yes so much love!! And oh what I’d give for a cheeseburger this very moment. I love you, beth!
Steph
Beautiful, all of you. I’m so glad you had a good day. James and Jake are so loved.
Oh and I was sore from three miles, six would have done me in!
It really was a love filled beautiful day and I was so proud to be a part of it. Now, I’m not bragging, but I’m not as sore as I thought I would be. Kind of like when I started shredding. We’ll see what happens when I try to get out of bed tomorrow. Love you, Beth!
I enjoyed looking at all the pictures and seeing many familiar faces. I feel like you are my friends, even though I’ve never met you. Weird, huh?
I’m glad today was a good day (although, yes, I’m sorry that it has to “be” at all…) That is a beautiful team and such a wonderful thing to do in remembrance of your beautiful boys Beth.
Wow. You guys did great – what a beautiful tribute!
Beth, you deserve all the love you get – it comes to you because you give so much. You are real, you are raw and you touch people’s lives.
Now, get some well deserved sleep!
I feel honored that you share so much with us – your story has touched my heart. Although there wasn’t a March of Dimes event close to me this weekend, I was walking with you and your team in spirit.
I have four beautiful angel girls in heaven. I know that pain all too well. But I also have been blessed by friends and family to find healing too. May you always be surrounded by such love as you experienced today.
Those pictures are great and ya’ll look so happy! So glad you had a great day!!
It was perfect, wasn’t it? Love.
The pictures are great, especially the ones with you, Brian and the kids!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
I thought of you and prayed for you and your family yesterday. I prayed for beautiful weather and an un-understandable peace. I’m glad you felt the love.
It was beyond perfect, Beth. Even the weather cooperated… I think James and Jake sent us that sunshine.
Every blister and aching muscle is so worth it. Love you.
What a great time and the pictures are great. Thanks for sharing!
While I wasn’t able to be there physically, I was there spiritually… Lifting you up….. & Your entire team up…
And it’s not what you are doing wrong, but what you’re doing RIGHT………
It was a beautiful and perfect day!
All of us felt so lucky to be a part of it and to help remember James and Jake.
Smooches and all that…
CE
I had fun…even if I’m walking funny today.
Oh Beth, even though I don’t really “know” you, and live far away, I want you to know I was walking in spirit with you, and sending you hugs this whole weekend. I am so blessed to have you in my life, and more blessed to have gotten to “meet” James and Jake-they will always be two little thoughts in my heart.
What wonderful pictures. They really illustrated the immense love that was surrounding you all. Wish that I could have been there but know that you and your loved ones were in my thoughts all day yesterday.
Lovely pictures! I am sure it was amazing feel all that love!
I’m sure it was SO special and beautiful. I feel the love through your post. It’s also amazing how much your team raised…really cool. I recognize many of the faces in your group
You were surrounded by love…and your angel babies. One of those GREAT days to remember always….
So amazing. I sent prayers up for you all yesterday. Thank you for sharing with us.
Awesome…you did great.
Love to you, yours, and those beautiful boys. I wrote about them, you, on my blog.
Nell
beautiful….the picture, your team, your team that couldn’t be there, the words, the spirit of j&j coming through…i love it.
thought of you often that day while on our trip. =)
What a beautiful day and congratulations on being the kind of person who turns tragedy into something spectacular.
Thanks so much for letting me be apart of such a wonderful experience. It was so touching to watch our team and all the others walk for the cause. You’re my hero, Beth…so sweet and undeniably strong.
xoxo
mb
Awesome looking team!!!
Beth, I can’t explain how awesome yesterday was. My body would not calm down until about 3am this morning. I had about 3 hours of sleep before getting up for work. It gave me such a boost to walk that 6 miles. I’m like Bacardi, I thought I would be much more sore this morning when I rolled my old bones out of bed. Love all the pictures. I will send you the few that I took. Love the group picture. The rabbit ears I gave you didn’t show up…lol.
Glad your walk went well. (ours was a total downpour!)
What a touching story, thank you for being so honest and sharing! Good for you and your family for turing the bad into something good. I was so honored to be able to walk on behalf of team James and Jake.
God Bless,
Kristy