Brainerd Buddy Walk 2011

Quote of the Day:  Walking Together...So no one walks alone. Mary Aalgard, from my article in Her Voice on our local Buddy Walk and the families who are involved.  They honored me by using my words on their t-shirts this year.

The weather was gorgeous in the Brainerd lakes area on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011, for the fourth annual Buddy Walk and Roll. This year, they held it at the Confidence Learning Center.

They renamed it the Buddy Walk and Roll to include people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.  This camp was started as a place to service the needs of people and families with these conditions.  Read their mission statement here. 

Dave and Becky Meyer were key organizers this year. Their sons Luke and Noah lead the walk.

Luke and Noah are twins. Noah has Down syndrome.  Their older brother Caleb was on a church trip and missed the walk.

This was the first group to use the new trail.

It started with a Ribbon "Cutting" ceremony.

I was so glad to see that not all the leaves blew off the trees from our recent wind storm. The road was paved and smooth. The scenery a feast for the eyes, and the mood of the day was joy and celebration.

This is the other Meyer family that I featured in the Her Voice article. I also interviewed Beth. I walked part of the path with her and her little daughter, Lauren, ran most of the way. I think she just turned four. I smiled at her, and she held my hand for a short bit. That made me smile even more!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What have you recently celebrated? What did you do? Who has reached out to hold your hand?

Brainerd Buddy Walk

Quote of the Day:  If we all walked in every cause walk in our community, we'd be one healthy community - physically, spiritually and emotionally. Mary Aalgaard from my article in Her Voice.

I write for our local women's magazine which has a strong community connection for both women and men.  I found my voice through Her Voice when the editor, Meg, called me an author and printed my words for the first time.  My most recent article came out this week on The Buddy Walk in our community for people with Downs Syndrome. The interviews with these families gave me a stronger connection to my community.  I felt drawn into their stories, not always smooth sailing, but always filled with love and a desire to connect with other people who care about someone with disabilities.  They are a warm and welcoming bunch, and I feel so honored to share their story with you. 

Here are a few photos from my friend and Her Voice photographer Joey Halvorson.  These are some great ones that didn't make it into the magazine.

Sisters Avery and Lauren out for a cruise.

Lauren and her mom Beth

Big brother Patrick with a protective arm around Sarah.

Sarah with her dad Tom

Dave giving comforting kisses to son Noah.

For the full story and more photos click here.  My story starts on p. 23.

If we all walk together, no one has to walk alone.

Go. Create. Inspire! And, walk for a cause.

Journaling Prompt:  How do you react when you see someone with different abilities?  Do you join any cause walks?