Walking for more than a memory

Starting off your Saturday for something purposeful is always a good thing. James and I usually wake up around 5:00am or 6:00am to work out. I'll usually go on a run and James will do his P90X. This morning, we woke up around 6:30am to go on a walk; a walk for a purpose.

As the Social Worker for an Alzheimer's facility, I automatically become involved in the National Memory Walk. James, being married to me, was also required to be involved in this event (lucky him). The Memory Walk is hosted by the Alzheimer's Association. They are a National organization that fight for a cure to prevent and stop Alzheimer's disease and other forms of Dementia. There were several vendors and companies that work with patients, residents and families who are dealing with this disease that are involved in this event.

We arrived at the park where the event was being held. To my surprise, there were hundreds of people who attended! It really amazed me that so many people were involved in some way with someone with this disease. I feel like it helped open my eyes to what a big deal this event was, the importance of it and how this affects so many people.

At the registration booth we received a colored flower representing our relationship to this race. I received a yellow flower as I am a caregiver for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. James received an orange flower, as a supporter for this fight against the disease. Other flowers given: Purple flowers were for those who have lost someone to the disease, and blue flowers for those who have the disease. Before the start of the walk, each group of people held up their flowers.

And again, it was surprising to see how many people are affected by this

disease.

The race started, and hand in hand, James and I began the 3.1 mile walk together. During the walk James asked me what the point of the walk was if everyone just donates money. I thought about that for a while. Why does there have to be the walking part if the donation is really what makes the difference? The money is what goes towards the research and cares. Why walk? As we were walking, I noticed how many groups of people were here and the flowers ran through my mind. It came to me. Yes, the donation is extremely important, it makes the most difference. However, it's not the only thing that's important. The walk brings all of the families, residents/patients, caregivers, and vendors who work with Alzheimers and Dementia together. The opportunity to bring everyone together to show their support for one another is what makes a difference on a personal level. The emotional support was an amazing and moving component to see in the race.

We're walking for more than a memory here, we're walking for our fellow man. When I'm really thinking about it, it makes me feel like I'm walking for Christ. I'm walking for a purpose. It's these opportunities we get to be a support to our fellow man that really makes the difference and is why we are here on this Earth. I'm so grateful!