Pool Party: Relay for Life- 2017

Brenna was asked to join a Relay for Life team a year ago. But since I really didn't know what it was (other than knowing it was for cancer), I kind of let it slip by me and didn't get her registered in time. But thankfully Mrs. Joyce Horton talked to her about it again and got her excited about it, and reminded me to get her involved this year- and so we did!
I went into it kind of blind as to really what all they did except for raise funds for cancer. But as soon as Brenna heard"cancer" she was all IN! I absolutely LOVE this girl and her passion for helping other people with cancer. I firmly believe that what all she witnessed her MeMawMom go through had a far more significant impact on her than any of us ever realized. Sure- I knew it affected her. She LOVED her MeMawMom with all her heart. Probably loved her more than anyone else on this earth- me included! They were BFF. She was her MeMawMom's world (along with Macie). But when Brenna lost her MeMawMom- a spark was lit in her. A spark that wanted to keep anyone else from suffering and going to heaven like her MeMawMom did. Some people probably believe that Josh and I pushed her to have this desire...but that couldn't be farther from the truth. We only supported her. She donated her hair twice to help cancer patients, and requested to do something at the Cancer Center to help poeple. But I never could come up with the perfect idea for something for her to do (that SHE actually did, and not me). But then Relay came up- and it sounded like a great way for her to DO something.
So we got our packet from Mrs. Joyce and joined her team. (I was still unsure of what all they did at relay). Brenna needed to raise money for her team. So I set up her page, and decided the best way for her to do this was to accept donations. But I told her I wasn't going to ask for money for her, she had to do it herself! So she made a video and I posted it on facebook. In her video, she told why she wanted to do relay, and that she wanted to remember her MeMawMom and honor her Aunt Susan and Aunt Rhonda who were cancer survivors. And she said that she would love to raise "ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS" to help fight cancer! The words were all hers, and yall- she melted my heart! It was all I could do to not bust out crying right in front of her!
So I posted the video, and in the first night she more than doubled her goal! So the second night we made a second video and she raised her goal to 1,000! My Mama heart beamed with pride as she spoke, and again each night that she asked to look at her page and see how much she raised.
By the time Relay day rolled around, Brenna Grace Pool had raised over $1,200!
Relay day was a little uncertain due to the weather. We were forecasted to get some nasty weather at some point, and it was very gloomy looking. But we showed up with big smiles and ready to go!

She had lots of supporters that came by and cheered her on! Many of them even walked the first lap with her.

Nina was the first to arrive!

Pops and his girl

Graddy and his Tooter

Her smallest fans- Macie and Wyatt

We love our Mrs. Kathy!!

Look at that support system! One lucky little girl!

Her very first Relay for Life lap- doin' it for her MeMawMom!

It was beyond windy when Memaw got there, so a picture was next to impossible!

They had several themed laps that she loved!

Crazy hat lap

School spirit lap

Crazy Sock lap

Disney Lap

And Macie and I wore our Team MeMawMom shirts for support!

Her friend Jessica happened to be there with her dance team to perform, so she walked a lot of laps with Brenna.

They had different activities out on the field to go and do. Exercising, dancing, and games.

We were honored to be on Mrs. Joyce's team. She was such great support and encouragement for Brenna!

Brenna was super excited to see this sign. Thanks Mader-Bagley!

Brenna and I were both so honored to be a part of this wonderful event for these to precious women in our lives. I dug out one of my Sherry bracelets in honor of Mom. Even though I cut the one I wore during her battle and placed it with her at the funeral in honor of her winning her battle, I thankfully had several extras stashed away!

Unfortunately by the time that I signed Brenna up to participate in Relay, we already had our date set for our small crawfish get together at our house. So Brenna and I had to leave early. But after all was said and done, the relay ended not long after we left. The weather took a drastic cold turn and everyone was freezing due to the temperatures and the wind. So they postponed the closing activities until the wrap up party (which we did get to attend).

But Brenna and I were greeted by so many wonderful friends upon our arrival at home! After an emotional day on my part- it was great to see these wonderful ladies' faces!