Friday, 6.20.08- Mitchell Area Cancer Walk
Recap:
I have yet to hold a meaningful conversation with anyone whose life has not been
affected in some way by cancer. It was an honor to be asked to provide music while
people walked in support or memory of their loved ones battling this disease. For
those who don't know what the Cancer Walk is, on one evening every summer
Mitchell Middle School opens up their
parking lot for those who wish to walk in support of one another in the fight
against cancer (all forms). There are other activities, too (there's a charity 5K
and 10K run, you can purchase memorials, hot air balloon rides, etc), but to me
the best part of the event is walking alongside others, visiting and sharing
stories of courage. I've walked in the past; the event lasts about five hours or
so! But on June 20th it was my role to tell my story and encourage others thru
song.
I only had 30 minutes to share, so I did my best to keep it moving. Very little
talking between songs (which was good 'cuz oh can I ramble!), but I chose material
that spoke of eternal truth and hope. I had debated a lot about whether to sing
"Fall upon Me" (that's the story of my grandfather's battle with bladder cancer
and the testing of my family) because it might be hitting a nerve. Then I realized
that hitting a nerve is what I'm called to do as a songwriter, otherwise what I
write is simply forgettable. Plus I got to sing (and arrange a backing track for)
my favorite U2 song: Walk On!
Special thanks to Shanna Weiss for inviting me to share. Thanks to all who walked.
Many thanks to those who stopped for a bit to listen (and to my impromptu mosh
pit...you guys rawk!) or to wave. It's hard to gauge how well my songs connect with
people whose purpose for being there is to walk on by...all in all, I believe it was
time well spent!
What was played:
I've always loved you/Three wooden Crosses, Word of Hope, Fall upon Me,
God is on the Move, Walk On
