An INCREDIBLE Night!!

Jake, Ty, and Luke showing support for their mommy with their "Team Charlene" shirts.

**I am having trouble downloading the awesome pictures from Erica's blog, but you can go to hers to check them out (and read about her recap of the night).

I am still pinching myself this morning. Was the benefit and auction really that BIG of a success...or am I dreaming??

When we were approached about setting a goal for how much we needed to raise, I was a little apprehensive. I was afraid the goal was too high, even though it was, in all reality, how much my medical bills have set us back. I was afraid we were being greedy and asking too much. I already felt bad for the countless hours people were putting into this thing. It was hard for me to not feel that way.

But as Saturday evening approached, and so many people started showing up, I was overcome with so many different emotions. I was so humbled to see how effective our ward and community was when everyone pulled together. People kept telling me..."Feel loved, Charlene. All of these people are here for you.". It still brings tears to my eyes. Never in my life have I ever felt so much love. Love from my friends, ward, and even total strangers. We literally had hundreds of people there. Lines of people at the entrance waiting to buy tickets for the BBQ dinner! Curt and I were in awe. We could not believe how many people were there that we didn't even know! Friends of friends, and even people who were driving by, stopped to show their support for a great cause. Amazing.

If my cancer journey was necessary to bring a wonderful community together through this event, then it was totally worth it. I would do it all over again to feel the way I felt Saturday night. Everyone involved felt something special that night and I would absolutely do it all over again for all of us to experience those feelings of love, service, and compassion.

I am determined to not let that "torch" out. We have all been touched by this event and I am going to do what I can to continue to do things like this for others in need. Team Charlene will continue! We will continue to better the lives of other people. That is my mission at this time in my life. I have been greatly blessed through so many of you. I will never forget what this experience has taught me. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! The only way I can repay you all, is to give to others as you have given to me.

Oh, and by the way, we DOUBLED our goal!! Since the auction brought in more than what is needed for our medical bills, Curt and I are so excited to be able to donate some money to other families in our community who are in need.