Another Walk

I was the co-chair in charge of the AFSP Community Out of Darkness walk this year.  I started working on it in December of 2017 and the walk wasn't until September 22, 2018.  There is so much that goes into making the walk successful.  So many volunteers give of their time and means to make it happen.  The reason I participate in this walk, is because I want to get the word out about preventing suicide.  If I can help one person, then I have done my job.  I have met some amazing, strong people through working on the walk.  Each one of us are involved with the walk for varying reasons, some have lost spouses, some children, some siblings, some cousins, some nieces, some nephews, etc.  Each one of us are in a different stage of grief.  These stages can change on a daily, sometimes minute by minute basis.  No matter the reason or the stage, we are involved and happy to help. 
I met some amazing people at the walk and leading up to the walk.  I had the privilege of giving a speech before the walk began.  There was a family sitting right down in the front and they were all crying.  Once the opening ceremonies were over, I walked up to them and asked if I could give them a hug.  There was a mother, her daughters and her parents.  She told me that she had lost her son just a few months earlier.  I told her that it doesn't get any easier, but it does get different.  I told her I didn't want to lie to her.  It will never be easy.  It did mean the world to me that I was able to hug them and talk to them.  I hope they felt some hope that day. I am grateful that I can be a source of strength to someone.  I am grateful that I have sources of strength in my life as well.
My mom and Aunt flew out from Utah to help with the walk.  I put them to work from the second they landed until late in the afternoon on Saturday.  They were so willing to chip in and help where needed.  They love Kami and I know they would do anything for her and everyone else in my family.  What a sacrifice they made.  I also had Ryan's girlfriend Jess,  and his friend Alex's wife Kelly help with registration.  I had two co-workers helping the day of the walk.  I had several co-workers, both past and present, walking for Kami.  I also had several church friends that came to walk for Kami as well as Kami's friends were there.  It takes a village.  I am so thankful for the people in my village. 
People ask me "Are you going to be in charge again?  It was such a huge job"?  I say "yes I will, at least one more year, they ask if you will commit to two years".  I have one walk under my belt now and hopefully it will be a little easier next year. 
I walk to bring awareness, I organize the walk to bring awareness.  I walk because I love Kami, I walk to support others in my shoes.  You never have to walk alone!