The moment was all hers......

On September 27, 2008 I participated in the annual Alzheimer's Memory Walk in honor of my Mother and also my Uncle Lyle, Mom's brother. This was an occasion in which I along with my sister and a wonderful team of 11+ members from Estill Springs, TN raised donations to benefit the education and research for a cure, as well as help out the local chapter to provide for the needs to us in the community in various ways.
This was my first experience in being involved in such an event and I have to say, I was amazed at the support and dedication we have in our community.

I am proud to be a part of a community that strives to help others and support in the needs of all. Our little town collected the most donations for this Memory Walk. The leader of our team along with a few others were gracious in wearing buttons with a picture of our Mom, for all who came to participate in this event.






Her reaction was very touching to me as we entered into the mass of 400+ participants. I wasn't sure if she would be overwhelmed, withdrawn, nervous or just express her discomfort of being surrounded by so many friends and admirers. I saw a spark of the Mother I know as she was greeted and hugged by so many. She was in her realm. She was "Queen for the Day" and loving every minute of it. Friends, neighbors, colleagues she worked with as a Kindergarten teacher in the local school, the city and county Mayors and elected officials were all there.....walking in honor of Marilyn. Yep, she stood tall, I saw the smile I remembered seeing day after day growing up, the light in her eyes shown through again and she was back! for just that brief moment in time.


She walked proudly helping our team to carry the Memory Walk banner since Estill Springs was the lead team to bring in the most donations. She WALKED the full track around the football field of the local high school!I kept telling her how proud I was of her accomplishing such a walk. She smiled at me and said "Thank you.".


Our Mom in the middle wearing black
helping to carry the banner of the 2008 Memory Walk.

My husband took pictures of this memorable event. I got them back just today. I showed them to Mother today. She didn't remember this occasion. But she was happy to see the pictures. I'll keep them in a special album for her. We'll set the album on the table beside her place in the living room so that family and friends can share them and the moment with her.

She may not remember the day of this event, but her soul will reflect the time she came back to us, even if just for that brief moment. That's what we do around here, we live in the moment.