A Home Away from Home...Greensboro, NC

This past weekend, I was a part of something so awesome!! I did my second race in a month for the March of Dimes March for Babies in Greensboro, NC with Sylvia and her wonderful family. This was a 3.5 K run/walk around the entire city of Greensboro. We had a motorcade, and since we were the Ambassador Family, we led the walk along with the booming drums of the North Carolina A & T Aggies drumline.

We left on Friday around lunchtime, and headed to Four Seasons Mall first. We got some really cute shirts and a dress, all on sale, from some stores that we do not have in Roanoke. Other than the Garmin taking us all over the crazy backroads, and the geese/ducks? that almost hit our car coming off the exit ramp, oh yeah, and that big thing she ran over that got stuck to the front bumper of that SUV, we got there in one piece!

When we got to her brother Anthony's house, we were welcomed with open arms, and a bunch of her family that I had never met. But, by the end of the weekend, it was like I had known them, and been a part of their family forever. We got to spend time with the kids, Tyler and Ashley, and also ate a lot of food!! Needless to say, I was not on my diet this weekend, but how could I pass up dinner at the Japanese steak house as a family? :-)

Saturday morning, before the race, we all got up, got dressed in our "Team Tessa" t-shirts that we stayed up until 1 a.m. making, and headed downstairs for some breakfast and to get organized. Once we got to the park, the weather was beautiful, and we were ready to go!!

During the opening ceremonies, we learned that with all the help of the local community, plus many sponsors and families, the total amount raised was over 1 million dollars!! This was the biggest turn-out Greensboro had ever seen for the March of Dimes walk, and I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself.

During the walk, I had a moment of reflection. It was after I had reached the 3 K marker, and had less than .5 K to go. My feet were starting to hurt from running and walking, but never once did I want to stop! I began to cry, and had a talk with God. I told him thank you for allowing my life to be what it has become in the last few months. I told him how grateful I was that he opened my ears, and allowed me to listen to his voice. It was a voice that was always there, but has been much more prevalent here lately. I told him that without him, I would not have these experiences to cherish, and I am such a better person because of it. I know he was listening...I felt him there with me pushing me to the finish line with such vigor and energy.

When it was time to leave yesterday, I really wished that we didn't have to go. The kids were sad to see us leave, but we had to get home to our normal routine, and get ready for work today. This weekend was so much more than just a race. Not only did I have a great time with these people, I gained a few more members of my extended family. I know I am always welcome at Fox Haven Dr.