Celebration of hope

No, not our daughter. Although we do celebrate her on a daily basis. Tonight I attended a really cool benefit for my friend Kim. It was called "A celebration of hope." It was held at the Hudson Town Hall and there were hundreds of people there. What a testimony to the incredible person that is Kim Warneke. Kim called me on Sunday night and asked if I would be willing to do the prayers at the benefit. I was honored that she thought of asking me. The benefit included some silent auction items, raffle items, and some things for sale (pink ribbons, cute little flip-flops that neighborhood kids made, T-shirts that I believe were made by Kim's niece, etc). The hi-light of the night was the balloon launch. Everyone had a balloon (some more than one) and at the same time we all let our pink balloons go. Money was raised to help Kim and John during this time. The ultimate part of the night, though, was to see all the people who came to show love, support and encouragement to this incredible family. I had a chance to chat with Kim briefly tonight (she wanted John to take our picture) and she is truly an inspiration. As she looked at all the people that were there tonight she said, "Melody. I am so lucky. So blessed." WOW!! I don't think that if I were facing what Kim is facing that I'd feel like I was lucky or blessed. Like I said: what an inspiration.

I believe Kim was supposed to have her first of many treatments today. I'm sure she'll be posting about it, so if you've been following her journey via her Caring Bridge website, stay tuned for an update soon.

Oh...I also got to talk to Kim and John's daughter, Kaitlin, tonight. What a sweetheart!! I asked her if she'd like to go with me some time and get a manicure or a pedicure. She loved the idea. It'll be fun to do something girly with her:)

Time for dreamland. I leave tomorrow for a weekend retreat in Wisconsin Dells with three of my middle school girls. It should be fun, but I'm already tired thinking about the lack of sleep upon me. I remember when I was a new youth director and I thrived on retreats, lock ins and stuff like that. I think I'm getting old. :)