Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful once again to have the support of an amazing, generous spirit who composed a beautiful synopsis of last Saturday evening. I think you'll agree.

"The Wizard of OZ" has been a beloved film for 70 years now. It has brought joy and entertainment to many…young and old.

I have always loved this story! The music. The costumes. The characters. The scenery. And as I've gotten older, I've appreciated the meaning.

But I must say that I experienced a whole new meaning this past Saturday evening, at the "OZ-some" 2nd Kyrie Twilight Walk. As I walked around the stadium meeting & greeting lots of little "munchkins," I started to think how parallel my experience was compared to the "real Dorothy."

Traveling my own variation of "the yellow brick road," I came across 3 friends, just as "Dorothy" did. And each had their own special & unique characteristic. And maybe, just like The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and The Cowardly Lion … my friends didn’t know that they too already possessed these things.

If you remember, The Scarecrow wished he had a brain. Megan, Chad, Trish, Melissa & Danny … The BRAINS behind this OZ-some event! For those of us who just get to show up for 5 hours once a year, we must stop and think about all of the ins-and-outs, the details, the planning, the organizing, the asking of volunteers, the WORK that goes into The Kyrie Twilight Walk! They do not need a diploma nor a certificate to prove to us how smart they are. Their success is proof enough!

Oh, how The Tin Man wished he had a heart. Lacie & Jordan…have shared their HEARTS with us, over and over again! Although it is unimaginable for most of us to know the feelings of losing a child, try to think of this young couple and their hearts being broken when the Wicked Witch/cancer came and took their Kyrie from them. Yet, time and time again, they are able to open their hearts to us. A chance to tell Kyrie's story. An opportunity to raise awareness. A hope that if they continue to speak of her, to show her sweet pictures, to walk in her memory…that others will join them in their fight.

And next we have The Cowardly Lion, who wanted Courage. Little Anna…proves to be BRAVER than a whole pack of lions! I have had the honor to meet Anna on 3 different occasions. And each time, I am amazed how this small-in-stature being, can hold so much courage. Obstacles and difficulties are all along her path, yet she faces them with the love and support of her family and friends. And … continues on. Courageously.

Another of my favorite OZ characters is the lady in pink … Glinda The Good Witch of the North. Although The Good Witch does not have a lot of screen time, her presence is constant throughout "Dorothy's" journey. She floats in and out, appearing in her pink bubble, when she is needed. When someone needs reassurance. When someone needs support. To guide. To show the way. To oversee. To remind.

Sound like anyone you know?! Ahhhhh….Kyrie. YOUR presence was definitely in that beautiful pink-orange-red bubble/sunset Saturday night.

And at the end of the story, "Dorothy" finally makes it to her destination … The Wonderful Wizard of OZ. He who grants wishes and makes dreams come true. As she kneels before him she tells of her sacrifice. Her trials and tribulations. And all she asks in return is to go home.

As I bowed my head in prayer this past weekend, before Him, all I asked for was…a cure.

At the end of the evening, as I clicked the heels of my ruby red slippers together, my chant was…"Go Kyrie! Go!" "Go Kyrie! Go!" "Go Kyrie! Go!"

Luv,
Dorothy…
(Susan Jae)