one evening in time...a lifetime of memories

I am at a loss for words. Yesterday was amazing, overwhelming, indescribable, touching, emotional, and fun!

The day started with people gathering in Humphrey to start the Poker Run. I didn’t know how many cars, trucks, and bikes to expect…but my expectations were far exceeded! They registered over 350 poker tickets. The stops were in Newman Grove, Albion, Genoa, Monroe and Columbus. For those of you who are familiar with those towns…imagine 300 motorcycles lined up on the streets! It was an amazing site to see. Chad and I did not go on the run, but we did go to the starting point to see them all gathered, it was unreal!

As the riders finished they rolled into the Legion in Columbus. Some started to arrive as early as 3:00! It was just amazing, the entire day. People came to eat, be entertained, visit, and show support for Charli – and they did it in style! There were raffles throughout the night, and the evening finished with an auction of several donated prizes…ranging from a stuffed John Deere dog that went for $50 to a signed volleyball (by the 2006 National Championship Volleyball Team, the Nebraska Huskers!) for over $600.

I did my best to raise awareness to neuroblastoma and childhood cancer. I know that I could have done so much better…but did not expect people to just sit and listen as well as they did. I thought I would be kind of “background noise” and wanted to keep it brief. I think before I got my second sentence out the room was totally silent. I started to break down a few times, but knew I had to finish it. What I had to say and what I needed to share was too important to back out of. I was able to share with everyone a little background of childhood cancer and some information about neuroblastoma. I was also able to let people know a little about what Charli did to show us that she was sick. I gave thanks to the many people who helped make the night possible, probably leaving out twice as many people as I thanked. As I left the stage I lost it. I was looking to walk straight back to the back of the room and find a place to just be alone to gather myself…and there were people everywhere!!! (which was a great thing!). I met my dad in the hallway and just lost it. Somehow my dad just has that effect on me, he can just stand there and be strong and let me fall apart – that’s what daddies are for I guess!! I feel terrible because Chad had to come find me, I should have went straight to him. I just wanted to get away though.

There were some grandparents there of a 4 year old little girl who had NB (neuroblastoma) and she told them to tell Charli that “God will heal you, just like he healed me”. I was so touched.

The entire evening was just exhausting…I couldn’t even lift my head off of the pillow this morning!

I didn’t get any pictures (terrible I KNOW) but I know that others did and have sent or will send them to me so I can post them.

Thank you to all of you who came to the event, planned, organized, and orchestrated the entire day – we will never for get everything that was done for us. Walking around the room and seeing all the familiar faces was touching…walking around the room and seeing all the unfamiliar faces was amazing.

This world is an amazing place and 700 people showed us that last night. Our life will be forever changed because of this single event.

GOD BLESS.