A Life Worth Living

Today was the BC Cancer Society's Relay For Life on the track of SDSS. When Keddi asked Lisa and I to volunteer for this grand event, I didn't really know what to expect, but we figured we'd show up and see what would happen. However, once I pulled up to the school and caught a quick glance at a grassy field covered with tents, cheerleaders, tables, stations, sports games, balloons, and TONS of people, I figured this whole thing may have been a bit bigger than I first anticipated. Throughout the evening (our shift was 7 PM-12 AM), I had the opportunity to--besides the chopping apples and arranging blueberry juice containers--meet some amazing people, hear touching stories from cancer-survivers, and become inspired to make a difference! The thing, however, that moved me the most was the underlying message of hope in the voice of each person who has lived through the devestating effects of cancer. One elderly lady stood up in front of the crowd and gave a heart-warming speech on her experience of God-given hope. She encouraged each participant, surviver, and battler that, in their struggles, God was the One who truly understood their pain when nobody else did. She even talked about His love and how His comfort has been so huge in her fight with Cancer. Between her heart-felt words and the active participation of all the people who took turns running around the track, I was nearly moved to tears. I couldn't believe how many teams of people would go full-out pledging, run for an entire hour (some actually RAN the whole time!), and tent in the middle of a high school track, all to raise money for the cure to Cancer. Wow. It was quite the eye-opener, if you ask me. Events like this not only motivate you to help out with a worth-while cause, but they also inspire you to re-evaluate your own life and think about what is really important. One of the survivers mentioned how she is grateful for the way Cancer has changed her life because she will never see it the same way again. Every single moment is a gift and every day is a new opportunity. She even went as far as saying that she thinks everyone should be a Cancer patient--all said with the best of intentions. According to those who have endured the disease, it leads you to a deeper appreciation of life. Wouldn't that be cool? If we would truly appreciate life? If we really stopped and thanked God for each and every breath He gave us. If we put the important things at the top and stopped worrying about the minor details? If we lived each day as if it were our last and gave it our 110%? Now THAT would be a life worth living.

Anyways, just thought I'd share with you my little experience of the night. It was much more than little for me, but you really need to be involved yourself to truly be affected. My words don't mean a whole lot sitting here on a Senior High blog, so it's up to YOU to do what you will. :)

Love you guys,

Tara