If only there was one more day. All the things I would say and do. I would be the best daughter ever and make sure you knew how much I loved you. There would be no fights. It would only be fun. My girls would bring in flowers and bubbles. We would laugh so hard we'd pee ourselves. We would talk about the past and the future. I would assure you daddy would be ok and you would promise me you would always look after me. I would tell you it was OK to go and promise you that everything would be ok. One more day and I would get to tell you everything instead of praying about it every night. One more day to say I love you. I miss you everyday. You were my mommy and always will be.
I know not all the words are right with this song but it helps me
Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the TV off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million I love you's
That's what I'd do, with one more day with you
One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you
Leave me wishing still, for one more day
Leave me wishing still, for one more day
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
How Can You Help
So I get asked all the time, how can I help you reach your goal to walk in the 3 day? The first answer (and the obvious one too) is a donation. Please understand that when I say no amount is too big or too small I mean that. I know not everyone has $100 to give (heck I don't), and I know for some people $1,000 is like $10. So please understand every dime helps. Also all donations are tax deductible. When you go to www.the3day.org it is so simple to donate. All you do is go to the donate tab and search my name (Nicole Hercules). Then you can pick one of their preset dollar amounts or write in your own. Any donation that is over $100 can be broken up into four payments, which I think is a great option. Within minutes you will get an email confirming your donation, and I will get one too :)
A second way you can help, support my fundraisers. In April (depending on weather) I will be hosting another garage sale. It was a HUGE success last year, and I am praying for the same results this year. So how do you help with that? As you are doing your spring cleaning think about donating those unwanted items to my sale. Nothing is priced and people just donate whatever they want for the item, so all you have to do is call me and I will swing by and pick up your goodies. In May I will be traveling to OKC for a Redhawks baseball game (May 14th) Please come to the game is you can. Tickets are $15 they are great seats (actual face value is $15) and you get a FREE hat. $5 from each ticket sold goes to my 3 Day account. All the info for the event can be found on Facebook (saving second base).
A third way you can help is to donate your time. I have plans to be canning in front of Wal-Mart again this year. I plan to do it once in June and then again in October. Last year my AMAZING sister in law and I did it by ourselves. We raised a ton of money, but could have raised more if we would have had all entrances covered. So a total of 12 people are needed. Six at each time and it would be in two hour shifts. It really is a lot of fun, and if you are extra lucky I'll even make you a tu tu :). We also have plans to stand in front of Bush Stadium before and after a game (it is legal in St. Louis) and collect donations there. I need four people to help with that and if you help I will even treat you to the ball game :).
A fourth way you can help is by telling others about the cause. The more people that know the more money I have a chance of raising. If everyone would just tell 10 people and ask them to donate $10 I could have my money raised in no time at all.
A Fifth and final way you can help is to pray for me. Walking 60 miles requires a lot of training and hard work. Walking 120 miles requires a lot of prayer :). I know that each one of you who reads this knows what the 3 day means to me. It is so much more than just 3 simple days. It is a life changing experience and as I become more involved in the community I see how much of a blessing it really is. Those three days last August changed my life forever, and I shall never forget them or the people that made it all happen.
So I hope this lengthy post has helped to sum up how you can help. Again, I am greatful, thankful, and touched beyond words at all of the support I have already received. I thank each one you from the bottom of my heart.
A second way you can help, support my fundraisers. In April (depending on weather) I will be hosting another garage sale. It was a HUGE success last year, and I am praying for the same results this year. So how do you help with that? As you are doing your spring cleaning think about donating those unwanted items to my sale. Nothing is priced and people just donate whatever they want for the item, so all you have to do is call me and I will swing by and pick up your goodies. In May I will be traveling to OKC for a Redhawks baseball game (May 14th) Please come to the game is you can. Tickets are $15 they are great seats (actual face value is $15) and you get a FREE hat. $5 from each ticket sold goes to my 3 Day account. All the info for the event can be found on Facebook (saving second base).
A third way you can help is to donate your time. I have plans to be canning in front of Wal-Mart again this year. I plan to do it once in June and then again in October. Last year my AMAZING sister in law and I did it by ourselves. We raised a ton of money, but could have raised more if we would have had all entrances covered. So a total of 12 people are needed. Six at each time and it would be in two hour shifts. It really is a lot of fun, and if you are extra lucky I'll even make you a tu tu :). We also have plans to stand in front of Bush Stadium before and after a game (it is legal in St. Louis) and collect donations there. I need four people to help with that and if you help I will even treat you to the ball game :).
A fourth way you can help is by telling others about the cause. The more people that know the more money I have a chance of raising. If everyone would just tell 10 people and ask them to donate $10 I could have my money raised in no time at all.
A Fifth and final way you can help is to pray for me. Walking 60 miles requires a lot of training and hard work. Walking 120 miles requires a lot of prayer :). I know that each one of you who reads this knows what the 3 day means to me. It is so much more than just 3 simple days. It is a life changing experience and as I become more involved in the community I see how much of a blessing it really is. Those three days last August changed my life forever, and I shall never forget them or the people that made it all happen.
So I hope this lengthy post has helped to sum up how you can help. Again, I am greatful, thankful, and touched beyond words at all of the support I have already received. I thank each one you from the bottom of my heart.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thank You!!!!
When I walked my first 3 Day last year I was concerned. I had planned a few fundraisers but none of them panned out. I wasn't sure how I would raise the money. I talked to a friend and she gave me the BEST advice just pray about it. She told me God would provide, and she was right. I trained and I prepped myself for three of the greatest days of my life. Then a week before I left my oldest daughter got sick. I still had over $700 to raise and was spent. I had no idea who would send the emails, make the posts on Facebook, and keep annoying (in a loving way of course) everyone. Again I heard the words from my friend God will provide.
While I was in the hospital with my daughter it was like my friends took over. They sent out the emails, posted, reposted, and kept reposting on Facebook. They knew how much this journey ment to me. I left for the 3 Day last year still needing around $100. The morning of the first day I received the amount I needed and a little more. God did provide.
This year I am walking again (hoping to walk two). I began fundraising much earlier and have had one event tank on me. While I was upset I went back to those words God will provide. Again, they are true. The first walk I signed up for is in Dallas (in Nov of 2011). I am just $728 away from meeting my goal. Friends have come together in ways I never knew possible. I am so thankful for each donation. EVERY DOLLAR counts there is no amount to small. I will never be able to say thank you to everyone enough. It is because of you all that I can do this. NONE of this would be possible without the amazing support from friends (and complete strangers).
The whole point behind this post was to say Thank You!!! I believe that if I can reach the first $2,300 by mid March I will have enough time to raise enough funds for the second event. I know that if it is God's will he will provide. All I have to do is be ready to go if and when it happens. So again, I encourage you to remember that even when things seem hopeless if you believe in what you are doing ANYTHING is possible. Thanks everyone again so much!!!!!
While I was in the hospital with my daughter it was like my friends took over. They sent out the emails, posted, reposted, and kept reposting on Facebook. They knew how much this journey ment to me. I left for the 3 Day last year still needing around $100. The morning of the first day I received the amount I needed and a little more. God did provide.
This year I am walking again (hoping to walk two). I began fundraising much earlier and have had one event tank on me. While I was upset I went back to those words God will provide. Again, they are true. The first walk I signed up for is in Dallas (in Nov of 2011). I am just $728 away from meeting my goal. Friends have come together in ways I never knew possible. I am so thankful for each donation. EVERY DOLLAR counts there is no amount to small. I will never be able to say thank you to everyone enough. It is because of you all that I can do this. NONE of this would be possible without the amazing support from friends (and complete strangers).
The whole point behind this post was to say Thank You!!! I believe that if I can reach the first $2,300 by mid March I will have enough time to raise enough funds for the second event. I know that if it is God's will he will provide. All I have to do is be ready to go if and when it happens. So again, I encourage you to remember that even when things seem hopeless if you believe in what you are doing ANYTHING is possible. Thanks everyone again so much!!!!!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Finish Line
So many people have asked and I am here to explain what it feels like to cross the line.
First off you are so tired. Your body aches, and you think you can't wak another step. Your shoes feel like they are attached to your feet permantly. You are sweating and it really is a struggle, but some how you want to make it. I remember that last day thinking if the sweeper van EVEN tried to sweep me they were going to have a problem. I had waked that far and I woud cross the finish line.
After you make it to the last half mile mark everyone is excited. Everyone is cheering you on. I met many friends at the mark and I shall never forget them. They kept me going when I wanted to quit. So as you are walking you can sttart to hear the cheers. You know you are getting close because the cheers slowly get louder.
We walked into solider field (where the Bears play). You hit the first level and the tears begin to fall. You are greeted by the loudest noise of my life. You hear the cheering and the thundersticks. There is no shortness of people waiting to greet you. You walk in that tunnel and know you have made a difference. It realy is the greatest expereince. For the first time in my life I felt like an athlete. I was proud of myself and what we as a group had accomplished.
I cried like a baby while I was in holding (where you wait for the last time). I was amazed at the support we were shown. So again I encourage you to do the walk. You really won't regret it
First off you are so tired. Your body aches, and you think you can't wak another step. Your shoes feel like they are attached to your feet permantly. You are sweating and it really is a struggle, but some how you want to make it. I remember that last day thinking if the sweeper van EVEN tried to sweep me they were going to have a problem. I had waked that far and I woud cross the finish line.
After you make it to the last half mile mark everyone is excited. Everyone is cheering you on. I met many friends at the mark and I shall never forget them. They kept me going when I wanted to quit. So as you are walking you can sttart to hear the cheers. You know you are getting close because the cheers slowly get louder.
We walked into solider field (where the Bears play). You hit the first level and the tears begin to fall. You are greeted by the loudest noise of my life. You hear the cheering and the thundersticks. There is no shortness of people waiting to greet you. You walk in that tunnel and know you have made a difference. It realy is the greatest expereince. For the first time in my life I felt like an athlete. I was proud of myself and what we as a group had accomplished.
I cried like a baby while I was in holding (where you wait for the last time). I was amazed at the support we were shown. So again I encourage you to do the walk. You really won't regret it
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Training, Walking, Cheering, and Crewing
So yesterday on Facebook I brought up the idea of people crewing the Dallas
First training, you have to do it. I have never met a person who walked a 3 Day and didn't train. When I say train I mean train. It takes time out of your day, but is SO worth it. Training doesn't include just walking. When I trained for the 2010 walk I cut a lot of things out of my life that weren't good for me. I went on a calorie restricted diet and stopped drinking for 4 months before the race. I also took several exercise classes (Zumba , AB
Second thing is walking. Rule number one know your body if something doesn't feel right stop. Rule number two HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE with both water and a sports drink. The 3 Day community has a saying "Drink and Pee than no IV", and it works. At every pit stop there is something to drink, by the time you get there (they are between 2.5 and 3 miles apart) you should need to pee and refill your water bottle. Rule number three there is no shame is being swept or having to take the bus back to camp. Sometimes by not doing that you run a risk of being red carded which means you can't walk the next day. A key thing to remember is this isn't a race. Go at your own pace and soak it all in. If your feet hurt stop for a bit. If your leg muscles are tight take the time to stretch. Your body will thank you I promise.
Third thing is my FAVORITE cheering. For the people who cheer we couldn't do it without you. There is no better feeling than coming around a corner and having hundreds of people cheering for you. Many give you high fives, hugs, cold drinks, and just encouragement. I will never forget seeing the signs from the little kids. They were so thought out and it really touched you. Some people decorated their yards with catchy little things. Some cried as we walked by, perhaps remembering those they had lost. Some people laughed with us and told us to keep going. The most important thing was they showed up, and they may not have known us (me), but they sure did touch my heart. Cheering is simple to do, you show up. You make some signs, buy some candy (or mini water bottles...those were great), and wait. The 3 Day tells you were to go and when to be there. Once you get there and have the chance to cheer do it as loud as you can. I didn't go through one cheer station where I DIDN'T cry. To see all those people is just amazing. So if you can't do anything else think about cheering for it is them that make the walkers want to keep going.
Fourth and final is crewing. It takes hundreds of people to make the 3 Day happen. The majority of them are the crew. First let me say things couldn't happen with out them. To crew you have to pay a registration fee ($55 before Nov 23rd, and $90 after that), but that is where any money commitment stops. So you are not required to raise the $2,300. So what does the crew do? Better question what don't they do :). There are the obvious like luggage help, meal prep, serving food, safety, pit stop, and medical. However they also can drive sweeper vans(which are way cool), hand out towels, check you in and out of camp, and get you motivated in the morning and after returning to camp. I can not thank theChicago
So no matter how you decide to help all the things listed above made my first 3 Day experience amazing. I was proud to walk it, but someday do plan to crew ( I want to give back). If a location was in my town I would certainly cheer. So please do whatever you can to keep this program being the success it is!!!!
First training, you have to do it. I have never met a person who walked a 3 Day and didn't train. When I say train I mean train. It takes time out of your day, but is SO worth it. Training doesn't include just walking. When I trained for the 2010 walk I cut a lot of things out of my life that weren't good for me. I went on a calorie restricted diet and stopped drinking for 4 months before the race. I also took several exercise classes (
Second thing is walking. Rule number one know your body if something doesn't feel right stop. Rule number two HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE with both water and a sports drink. The 3 Day community has a saying "Drink and Pee than no IV", and it works. At every pit stop there is something to drink, by the time you get there (they are between 2.5 and 3 miles apart) you should need to pee and refill your water bottle. Rule number three there is no shame is being swept or having to take the bus back to camp. Sometimes by not doing that you run a risk of being red carded which means you can't walk the next day. A key thing to remember is this isn't a race. Go at your own pace and soak it all in. If your feet hurt stop for a bit. If your leg muscles are tight take the time to stretch. Your body will thank you I promise.
Third thing is my FAVORITE cheering. For the people who cheer we couldn't do it without you. There is no better feeling than coming around a corner and having hundreds of people cheering for you. Many give you high fives, hugs, cold drinks, and just encouragement. I will never forget seeing the signs from the little kids. They were so thought out and it really touched you. Some people decorated their yards with catchy little things. Some cried as we walked by, perhaps remembering those they had lost. Some people laughed with us and told us to keep going. The most important thing was they showed up, and they may not have known us (me), but they sure did touch my heart. Cheering is simple to do, you show up. You make some signs, buy some candy (or mini water bottles...those were great), and wait. The 3 Day tells you were to go and when to be there. Once you get there and have the chance to cheer do it as loud as you can. I didn't go through one cheer station where I DIDN'T cry. To see all those people is just amazing. So if you can't do anything else think about cheering for it is them that make the walkers want to keep going.
Fourth and final is crewing. It takes hundreds of people to make the 3 Day happen. The majority of them are the crew. First let me say things couldn't happen with out them. To crew you have to pay a registration fee ($55 before Nov 23rd, and $90 after that), but that is where any money commitment stops. So you are not required to raise the $2,300. So what does the crew do? Better question what don't they do :). There are the obvious like luggage help, meal prep, serving food, safety, pit stop, and medical. However they also can drive sweeper vans(which are way cool), hand out towels, check you in and out of camp, and get you motivated in the morning and after returning to camp. I can not thank the
So no matter how you decide to help all the things listed above made my first 3 Day experience amazing. I was proud to walk it, but someday do plan to crew ( I want to give back). If a location was in my town I would certainly cheer. So please do whatever you can to keep this program being the success it is!!!!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
April 22-24, 2011- Who is with me?
So I got this idea from a message board, but I loved it so much I had to use it myself. In April I will be walking 60 miles around the city of St. Peters. I will have a route mapped out to include pit stops, and lunch breaks. I will have Brad driving the sweeper van just in case I need to be picked up. I encourage EVERYONE to come out and join. 20 miles is far to go while walking all alone. If you can't come out and walk atleast come to cheer me on. People have no idea how good it feels to have a group of people cheering you on. So I hope some will come out and join me. I will be there rain or shine, so come out and be a street walker with me. Hope to see you all there :)
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Team Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
So the change has been made. It is offical I am now walking the 2011 3 Day in Dallas. I am forming a team, and pretty darn excited. So far I have 2 friends from high school walking with me, and new people showing interest in walking every day. I wish I could explain to people just what it is like. It is so hard to put into words, and even though they say a picture is worth a 1,000 words even those can't capture the moments.
I wish I could put in words the feelings you feel as you stand for opening ceremonies. As you watch the survivors raise that first flag. And the hundreds of people there all cheering you on. I wish I could describe the feeling as you take the first step on the journey. You are walking out and people are high fiving you left and right. The tears are falling and you know you are making a difference.
I would love to be able to explain the feeling of support you feel as the people from the cheering stations are rooting for you. They are lining the streets, and offering you goodies. As your legs are killing and you can't go another step you see a little girl holding snow cones or freezie pops, rooting for you, and you go those last few miles. The crew are so amazing and so upbeat. They are there to make sure you are safe and having fun. They are there to help you if you need it, but they also get out of your way when you are really moving.
It was be so amazing if I could describe camp. The pink tents everywhere, and the support everyone shows for each other. I wish people could understand that feeling of family. While none of us are related we are all there for the same cause. No one cares what you look like, what your race is, what your gender is, or if you date men or women, they just care that you are there.
So as I begin the journey for the second year I encourage you to think about making some of your own memories. Think about walking with us and seeing for yourself, feeling for yourself. It truly is AMAZING!!!
I wish I could put in words the feelings you feel as you stand for opening ceremonies. As you watch the survivors raise that first flag. And the hundreds of people there all cheering you on. I wish I could describe the feeling as you take the first step on the journey. You are walking out and people are high fiving you left and right. The tears are falling and you know you are making a difference.
I would love to be able to explain the feeling of support you feel as the people from the cheering stations are rooting for you. They are lining the streets, and offering you goodies. As your legs are killing and you can't go another step you see a little girl holding snow cones or freezie pops, rooting for you, and you go those last few miles. The crew are so amazing and so upbeat. They are there to make sure you are safe and having fun. They are there to help you if you need it, but they also get out of your way when you are really moving.
It was be so amazing if I could describe camp. The pink tents everywhere, and the support everyone shows for each other. I wish people could understand that feeling of family. While none of us are related we are all there for the same cause. No one cares what you look like, what your race is, what your gender is, or if you date men or women, they just care that you are there.
So as I begin the journey for the second year I encourage you to think about making some of your own memories. Think about walking with us and seeing for yourself, feeling for yourself. It truly is AMAZING!!!
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