Relay for Life

Last night I walked in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Each year it is a moving experience.

Sunlight frolicked on our arms

‘neath the open sky

a hurricane of emotion threatened

there we stood in the eye

and we danced like no one was watching

Starlight cavorted with a velvet sky

on and on we walked

luminarias were lit

tears pooled in potholes of our mortality

it’s okay though

because we are survivors

I tuck it all away

a souvenir for the scrapbook of my memory

hoping I will be here to do it all again

next year

 

Author's Note

The photo is of me carrying the survivor banner....I was proud to be honored in this way.

Reviews

[Sheila Kline]

Oh, how very, very wonderful Lydi!!! I did not know that you had battled this horrific disease and WON!!! May you continue to shine by being a part of this event for many years to come! Thank you for sharing the precious pic of you with us and the expressions of survival from your heart and spirit!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Sheila....not only for the review, but for the sweet sentiment. You are a gem! Lydi**

[Skylar]

That is wonderful. You are a brave warrior. I applaud you and your strength and will. Thank you for sharing this.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Skylar. Lydi**

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

Lydi, I am so touched when I read something about cancer because there is a family here in our place...breast cancer is in their blood. The mother died first, followed by the second child then lately, the 11th child.

Life is really unfair but it is still beautiful. There are reasons why things happen. Glad you survived! You are blessed!

[James]

Amazing. Cancer has been a curse on my family. To capture such a beautiful moment in such a beautiful way is a talent not many have. You can feel the strength in the words. It's a wonderful picture and a wonderful cause.

This should be read at every relay for Life event across the country.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, James. If I knew how to have them do that, I would send it to all of them and be proud if they read it. Cancer does attack families....mine is an example too. I appreciate your wonderful review. Lydi**

[Desert Rose]

So intense & Real..
it's incredible how much power one could get from remembering their Mortality
(Memento Mori)

[Lydia Shutter]

We all have to cherish every day and remember tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Thank you very much for the review. Lydi**

[Desert Rose]

Anytime!! Stay Strong!! :) All the Love!

[Patricia Wedel]

Cancer can be like the eye of a hurricane.
I am a survivor of eight years and I cherish
each additional year. So many flowers to unfold
and sunsets to meditate with reverence.
Lovely to know you walk for survivors.
Your smile and courage is contagious. truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

My dear Pat, I know you are a survivor....as I am. We must fight this disease with everything we have because too many are struck down by it every year. May you be a survivor for many more years, my friend. Thank you for the review. Lydi**

[B. Boileau]

That banner looks good on you! This piece (as well as the author) is all inspiring. With a smile like that and words like these you couldn't help but be a survivor! The honor is ours for having you...

[Lydia Shutter]

Bill, what a sweet review this is. Thank you very much. Lydi**

[Shabeeh Haider]

Words of hope in the face of adversity. May you live a life of health and continue giving a message of hope to all who are being faced with this disease. A wonderful poem, a magnificent pic and a contagious smile

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Shabeeh. Lydi**

[Ayvid N]

It was an amazing feeling reading this poem. It spoke to me of sunlight, of dance and of tenacity in the face of adversity. I salute you and all the brave survivors. To me they are valiant soldiers who fought for a great cause. Much appreciated and loved.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Divya. I appreciate the review and the lovely sentiment. Lydi**

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Your words are reflective of your spirit, burning bright and brightly beaming. Your smile could spark the whole world into beaming. Lovely write!

[Lydia Shutter]

thank you so much, Linda. I appreciate the kindness in this review. Lydi**

[Nisreen]

Its amazing how these events create this powerful energy
and support

i used to do Terry Fox
in Kuwait
back when people cared

though i was so young
i could feel the energy

beautiful

Its a pretty amazing thing you do for others :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Nsreen. Lydi**