Keep on Dancin'

Things are different for this generation.

More technology.  More information at the tips of their fingers.  The world isn't just isolated to the community in which they grew up, with those people that had known them all their lives.

And frankly, there are times that I'm a little nervous.

I'm sure that my parents' generation felt the same way to think that my generation would one day be leading the world, and that scares, me, too... because most days I don't feel fit to decide what outfit I'm going to wear.

Today, though, I'm convinced we are in pretty good hands.

I sat in Memorial Coliseum on the University of Kentucky's campus and watched over 1,000 students dance.

Dance, you say? And that convinces you that we're in good hands?

Yep.  They raised over $1 million dollars for pediatric cancer support services and research through the UK Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic.  Money raised will be used to provide a new, state of the art clinical space, as well as fund research toward treatment options. In previous years, money raised has provided for much needed positions such as social workers and school intervention specialists to help support these kids and their families as they grow, learn, and try to live as normal a life as possible while enduring treatment.

As I watched them wind up the last of the 24 hour marathon, I thought about youth and how fleeting it is. Somedays it truly feels like yesterday that I was that age. As I listened to testimonials from parents whose children are battling a disease that they should never have to face, I thought of how fleeting life is.  We never know what we will face.

One parent, whose son lost his battle, urged those individuals on the floor to find their passion... to be passionate about life and about helping each other.

I think it is an important message for each one of us.

Another parent, whose 8 year old son is battling Ewing's Sarcoma, talked of Moses and the battle where he had to hold his arms up.

Tears welled up in my eyes... because even though I can't comprehend her battle, I think all of us know what it is like to be weary... weak... battle worn.

And yet Moses had Aaron and Hur to hold his arms up. She likened those young men and women dancing, those men and women who volunteer at the clinic, to Aaron and Hur... holding each family up in their time of weakness.

It's a lesson we can all take to heart... because for every time that we are weak, there is another time when we are strong and can help out those around us.

Love, in action.

May this generation take that to heart...

and keep dancing. 

So proud of you, Kami, for all of your selflessness... and also a big thank you to all of her supporters.  Our little hometown girl was in the top 10 individual fundraisers for the event. 

But we've always known she was special =)
(Some pictures were pulled from the Dance Blue facebook page.  You'll see their logo in the corner of the pictures).