Thursday, March 15, 2012

I Relay for....

"The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected." Nicholas Sparks

March 15 isn't just another day on the calendar anymore.
It's the day I received a call that deep down I knew would be coming, but couldn't ever bring myself to the realization that it would actually happen.

It's the day that my heart will forever be broken
It's the day that a mother and father lost their daughter
a brother lost his sister
It's the day heaven got an angel
and it's the day I lost my best friend


You would think it get's easier...four years later...and it does to a degree, but no matter where I am or what I am doing...not a second of the day goes by that I don't think about her.

Last year on this day, I wrote a letter to heaven.


I've mentioned it on here before, DonEtta lost her battle to brain cancer exactly 18 months after she was diagnosed. She was only 23, a few months shy of her 24th birthday, when she heard the news...."You have cancer!"

No one ever deserves to hear those three words.
I didn't even want to hear those words when she called me. I didn't believe it...sometimes I still don't believe it. It's weird I know...thinking DonEtta is still here with us, maybe it's because I talk to her often.
Call me crazy.

I am actively involved with Relay For Life, this year I am the co-chair of my Relay.
It's stressful and time consuming and sometimes I lose sight of why I am actually doing this.

Then March 15th rolls around and I am strongly and emotionally reminded that for every phone call that I am making, every email that I am sending, every person that I am hounding for donations, for every story that I hear...and for all my time consumed....I am doing this for her.

I am doing this for the girl I met in college who had those hot pink boots and a swagger that couldn't be matched.
I am doing this for the girl who would become my big sis in the sorority...and in turn become the sister I never had.
I am doing this for all those times spent just driving in the truck, with the windows down, listening to music.
I am doing this for all those crazy days and nights I wish so strongly I could get back.
I am doing this for the struggles that I watched her go through.
I am doing this for the incredible fight that she had....
and for the day she could no longer fight back.

I Relay for her.

My best friend

So, when I am frustrated or just want to give up...because everything seems to be crazy...I remember who I am doing this for...and it's not just for her, it's for everyone who has ever heard those three words. 

I Relay for them and I would Relay for you.

Who do you Relay for?

Visit www.RelayForLife.org for more information on how you can get involved.




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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I relay for my father, who had prostate cancer, I have a few post that I have done for him. I didn't lose him, But I know what your going through. I've lost a friend before and I'm praying for you!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. Beautiful words about a beautiful girl and her beautiful best friend.

xoxo

-Honey

mom said...

I relay for those who have lost their battle and for the ones that are still fighting their fight and all that have beaten the odds!

Her laugh, smile, and her outlook on life was amazing. You have a sister looking down on you everday watching and protecting you.

Tiffany said...

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

~Miss Football

Anonymous said...

Amazing post! What a great way to show your love for DonEtta and her family! She was beautiful and all those things you said.

She loved you and is watching over you now!

You are a GREAT friend Miss Tatum Bell :)

~Bestie

Carly Ann said...

Such a great post. I don't REALLY know you, or her, but this this made me tear up.
What you're doing is incredible.

angie on maui said...

Beautifully written post, Lyndse. I remember reading your post about your friend a year ago, but it still makes me sad to be reminded of your beautiful friend who lost her battle. I can't even imagine how much it has affected you.

Hugs to you!

Jodie said...

Amazing post, my sweet friend! I remember reading the letter to heaven bawling my eyes out. You are such amazing person! So glad I have the privilege to call you my friend! Love you girl!!