When I signed up to walk Chicago in 2010, I knew no one. Everyone I knew thought I was crazy for agreeing to walk 60 miles over 3 days. They all knew what the cause meant to me, but many couldn't understand the commitment. So again I state I went into this knowing not a single soul.
Once you sign up for the 3 Day you are allowed access to the 3 Day message boards. They really are a wealth of knowledge, and a great tool to meet new people. It was there on the 3 Day boards I established a connection with a person simply known as Nallie01. When we first started to chat she seemed a bit guarded, those of that know me, know that I am not :). However, I enjoyed chatting with her, reading her post on Facebook, and in general getting to know her story.
The night before the first day a group of us went out to dinner. That is where Natalie and I first crossed paths. She was the lone girl sitting at the restaurant. I remember thinking she looked just like Tina Fey. The minute we spoke I knew I had a friend. That night her and I chatted a lot, giggled a lot, and realized we had a lot in common. I felt at ease with her.
The weekend went on and again we laughed a lot, cried a little, and pushed each other to the point of exhaust. She kept me going when I wanted to quit (even though at one point I did want to punch her in the face ;), and made me a better person.
While I remember some things we talked about, and the laughs that we shared, the one thing that showed me she would be my "breatsie" was on the last day. I came up to the path right before the entrance at closing and there standing was Natalie. She was eating a snow cone, and looking all refreshed. She had a smile so big that even to this day it makes me smile. She was waiting on me. She knew how hard walking in there would be for me, and she waited, she waited for me. She knew I didn't want to walk in there alone. And I didn't because of Natalie. I will never forget having her by my side as all the people cheered for us. I will never forget it.
This year I didn't have Natalie at the Chicago 3 Day. But again because Natalie is well...Natalie, she made sure she was there in other ways. She sent me a card (with a very cool pin), and had a chocolate candy waiting for me. This year as I walk Dallas Natalie will be there. Even though Natalie is in her last semester of Law School at KU, she will take the time out of her BUSY (and I mean BUSY) life to volunteer one day at the Dallas 3 Day.
The 3 Day has taught a lot of things. But one of the most important is the lessons about friendships and life. When your body hurts so bad and you think you couldn't walk another step a "breastie" steps in and tells you to pick up your feet. When you are crying so hard at opening, and you aren't sure if you can walk a mile (let alone 23) a "breastie" says, "if you cry again I am going to punch you in the face :)." When you go to the remembrance tent and want someone close (but not too close) a "breastie" gives you that space, but also that hug.
I can never thank Natalie enough for all that she has given to me. She has no idea (I think) how much she has impacted my life. Even though I am old enough to be her mom I still think of her as a friend. She is the best "breastie" one could ever ask for. Love you Nat :)
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