9/22/11 – And the weekend continues….
Like I mentioned before there was a lot that we had to do Saturday. Once the race was over it wasn’t really over for us. Todd had to go back in to work so he headed home with Phillip and Tara. The rest of us headed to the cabin once the race area was cleared. We ate some of Granny’s famous chicken salad and crashed. Erin, Mark, and Mrs. Cristi packed up and headed to Lake Martin for the rest of the weekend.
Funny side story – Erin and Mark had flown down from D.C. and got a rental car in Atlanta. The rental company originally gave them a minivan, which I think is hilarious. Mark had reserved a regular midsized car. He went back inside and asked if the minivan was supposed to be his and, if so, was there something else he could get. They got a red, convertible Mustang. It was very pretty. Well, Mark was packing the car that Saturday after the race so they could head to Lake Martin. All of a sudden he saw a hind end and brown legs launch past him. He looked up and Buster was sitting in the back seat of the Mustang like he was part of the luggage and didn’t need to be forgotten. Seeing Buster sitting in the Mustang was quite funny. That Buster, he loves to ride!
After the Dixon’s left the cabin we all took some time to rest before Saturday night. Mrs. Janet and I took a nap and mom, dad, and Mr. Berle watched the Auburn game. We were able to rest for a little while, but had to get up and go again. We had been invited to the Brent Schoening Strike Out Leukemia Foundation dinner and auction. The foundation gave Todd and I a donation when I was going through chemo and still having to pay my out of pocket maximum. I had written them a thank you note and they asked if I wouldn’t mind reading it at the dinner. Some of you may be wondering why a leukemia foundation would give a donation to someone who has colon cancer. Well, the answer is simple. The foundation is based in Columbus, GA and they also help out people in the local area, which would be someone like me.
When we arrived at the dinner I realized quickly that it was going to be a big deal. I didn’t really know what to expect. I had read online that there was a dinner, a live band, and silent and live auctions. The goal of the dinner is to raise funds for the foundation. The location was absolutely gorgeous. We browsed the silent auction items which consisted of mostly sports memorabilia. (Todd would have loved it!) Todd had been in communication with one of the foundation members so it was nice to meet the people in person and finally put faces to names. Everyone was very nice.
After a cocktail hour we headed in to the main dining room. I felt like I was going to a fancy wedding reception and the smell, oh the smell, the food smelled scrumptious. The five of us found a seat and were able to relax. We were all worn out from the day and were glad for the down time. A very nice lady asked if she could join our table and after a brief introduction sat down beside me. The dinner and conversation were perfect and the live music sounded fabulous. I didn’t know much about the background of the foundation so it was nice to learn how it started and who it honored. After dinner I gave my little speech. I was nervous because I was obviously out of my league, but I think it went well. Being at the dinner was special for both of our families besides the fact that I had been given a donation. Both Todd’s family and my family have had family members with leukemia. It was nice to see people coming together to raise money to support those who need a little extra support. If any of you would like to learn more about the Brent Schoening Strike Out Leukemia Foundation, the story or how to donate, you can check out their website.
All in all, this past weekend was one of new experiences, supporting worthy causes, learning people’s stories, spending time with new and old friends alike, and family. Even though I’m tired it was a great weekend. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the cause and also made my weekend one to remember forever!
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