It looks like I’m going to be giving up oxygen for the next however many days are on that little countdown gizmo off to the right. Plus three.
Let me backup up a minute and make a rather embarrassing admission.
I am a crier. My emotions — all of them — seem to be hardwired to my tear ducts.
Happy? Tears of joy.
Sad? Sobbing.
Touched? Choked up.
Frustrated? Pissed off? Cue the waterworks.
It’s really not the most effective thing in the world, especially when it happens at work. Which it has.
I’m not talking about the shimmering eyes or the delicate tear quivering on my eyelashes before dropping prettily on to my cheek. That happens occasionally — rarely — but mostly I do what Oprah calls the “ugly cry.” Especially when I really get going. True my eyes turn a really cool color of blue, but it’s probably due to the contrast with the red blotchiness that is the rest of my face. And, of course, my nose gets all stuffy, making breathing a challenge. Who needs oxygen, right?
I ran across a Tweet today from @KatieEGriffin. “You know you’re a @the3day walker when you hear songs played during 3 day commercials and smile and get teary eyed!!!”
Yup. That’s me.
When I went to my Getting Start meeting, the very kind volunteer handed me a box of tissues during the video. Not one or two tissues. The whole box. I wasn’t crying uncontrollably or anything, but seriously, how do you not get teary during that video? What are you? The Tin Man?
Every day, I read stories that touch me. And my tear ducts. Sometimes it’s happy tears. Sometimes not.
Today, it was broken-hearted tears.
Veteran walker Leanne (who just celebrated her birthday) posted a blog about her co-worker, Bridget. Eyes already stinging, I clicked her link to Bridget’s blog. I don’t even have the words. Bridget is battling breast cancer, and today she had a biopsy. On her liver. She won’t have the results until next week, so all she can do now is wait. And pray.
I don’t know Bridget, but she is the reason I’m walking the Arizona 3-Day. For her. For all of the Bridgets out there.
Their stories are different. Some have happy turns, like Megan’s post about her friend Meagan, who’s embarking on a new cancer-free life. Others are bittersweet or inspiring or simply heartbreaking. All of them will make me cry. I guarantee it. Since I hear or read a new story every day, I guess that means I’m giving up oxygen until Nov. 15.
But if it helps all the Bridgets, it’ll absolutely be worth it.
I have never been one to cry not unless I’m really really mad. That was until I made the choice to join 3day. And now I seem to cry at least once a day…lol.. Now I find myself making the mental checklist for the event and everyother items is travel packs of tissues…lol
LOL, Tanya. I think I might have to have a separate fanny pack just for tissues!
I love the 3-day community and love that we aren’t alone. I love the honesty among walkers and cannot wait to hear your 3-day story once the event comes. I wish you were walking in DFW or ATL…Really, I wish I was walking in Phoenix as well. It’s on my list; my extended family is in Phoenix so perhaps next year that will be my city as well.
I’m loving your blogs, Cat! So glad we’ve “met!”
Every day, I am amazed by the 3-Day community. I had no idea it would be like this, but am so thankful that it is.
I have a friend who invited me to walk with her in Dallas, but I have a weird hangup about doing my first walk at home. Not sure what that’s about. Home as a security blanket?
I’m glad we’ve “met,” too, Leanne. Your support and encouragement mean so much to me. And if you ever come visit your extended family here in the Valley of the Sun, you’ll have to set aside some time for us to get together, too.
The more posts I read from you, Cat, the more I know we are cut from the same mold.
I am a crier as well. My sister just shakes her head when I cry during the video (for the 50th time), opening ceremonies, the cheering stations, etc. She’s not a crier like me, she doesn’t get it. But tears have stress hormones in them; it’s healing to cry. Embrace it! I walk for all of the Bridgets out there also. And I’ll continue to walk until there is nothing left to cry over. (Except happy tears of joy!) 
Thank you for another excellent post!
Let’s hear it for the criers!
I’m starting to think of you as my 3-Day sister, Leanne. (Hope that’s not too weird, but I think you’re right about our being cut from the same mold.) My sister doesn’t get the crying thing either (what is it about siblings?), or the 3-Day thing for that matter. The first I deal with; the second is her loss. I’ll cry my way through the next six and a half months, bawl my way through the event (I’m sure), and be grateful that I can hopefully make a difference for all the Bridgets. Thank you for sharing her story and giving me another reason to walk.
Cat,
I also belong to the teary-eyed club. I asked Savonda a breast cancer survivor and 2008 ambassador-her response, “When the tears stop, you don’t care or have given up.” So, I have learned to embrace every tear whether from joy or sorrow.
Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I think Savonda (what a lovely name!) is totally right, Heidi. And giving up is simply not an option. One thing I love about the 3-Day community — besides the amazing support and encouragement — is that no matter what I’m thinking, feeling or going through, there are others out there who have been there, done that or are right there with me. Thanks for taking the time to comment!