When I was a senior in college my Uncle Blaine was diagnosed with Cancer. Within six months he lost his battle. That was the first time EVER I had known someone with Cancer and the first time I had EVER experienced death. My whole family (mom, dad, brother and I) were very close to My Uncle Blaine's family. We did family vacations together, we went down to Texas every summer so "Us City folks could get a taste of the country" and we spent almost every Thanksgiving together at my grandparents cabin in New Mexico.
My Uncle Blaine was the most caring and loving person you could know. He had a heart of gold, a laugh as big as Texas and a sense of humor that could out wit anyone.
My memories of him are amazing. They are of him laughing and joking with me. Calling out "Oh Ashley, Oh Ashley darling" and me running to give him a hug and a kiss. To this day if I need to brighten my day or get out of a bad mood I think about my Uncle Blaine.
With every negative comes a positive. Although my Uncle's loss was devastating to my family and each and everyone of us have a piece of our heart missing I do know that it has made us stronger and more durable. It is also the reason why I have chosen Cancer Research no matter what kind of Cancer it is as my personal philanthropy. It is near and dear to my heart. The day that there is no cancer in the world and there are no more cancer fundraisers like Team In Training is the day that I am sure we are all looking forward to. Until then I will continue with my quest and helping out any way I can.
Before every team workout we have shout outs where we can shout out the people that are our personal Honorees. I always say my Uncle's name. When we have our moment of silence after the shout out I always say a quick prayer for my cousins and my aunt. When I cross the finish line in October I know that I will have done it because of the strength I get from thinking about why I am running and thinking about my Uncle.
Love and Miss you Everyday Uncle Blaine!!!
xoxoxo
Ashley
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