This is a story about walking and friendship and joy. And it's an ask--to support a walk and a wish!
For a long time, I have walked--well worn paths in the woods, in cemeteries and in my neighborhood, across magnificent bridges in San Francisco and New York, and even on a glacier rapidly receding glaciers.
Walking teaches me to pay attention, to take the next step, to trust the path.
Many years ago, I walked with my beloved friend Millie every single Friday in an experimental forest. In the years since she moved away, every so often one of us would admit: I miss our Friday walks. So when we heard about the Trailblaze Challenge, we saw an opportunity to walk together again (for 28 miles!) and to support the gorgeous work of Make-A-Wish.
Every year, Make-A-Wish grants more than 15,000 wishes to kids with critical illnesses. In the midst of treatment and the rollercoaster of test results a wish gives sick kiddos and their families hope and helps them heal. I know because a friend told me so.
Kristen Shannon and I met at St. George Catholic School as kindergarteners. Kristen is my funniest friend. She's also deeply kind. In 2019, Kristen’s daughter was diagnosed with rabdomayocircoma. I will never stop being stunned at the fortitude and love and epic mothering Kristen harnessed to support her gorgeous daughter through diagnosis, treatment, and now remission.
Kristen shared:
“Our family used the planning of our daughter's Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World and Universal Studios to bring light and courage to the darkest time in our lives. She'd tell us about her trip plans when she was scared, and her care team would ask questions about her trip to help distract her from all the pokes and jabs she received. Her Make a Wish trip allowed our family to have careless fun and not worry about anything other than enjoying ourselves and celebrating our family. Our family will never forget all of the magical and healing moments we shared due to the kindness of the Make-A-Wish staff, sponsors, and amazing donors.”
On our Friday walks, Millie (who might be my wisest friend) often shared things I needed to hear. One morning she said, "Heather, it can be something without being everything." I've carried that wisdom with me, and it's guided me well. I think she was trying to tell me that the small and everyday matters.
Looking forward!