https://www.theovernight.org
the american foundation for suicide prevention hosts "out of the darkness overnight walks" twice a year in different cities in the u.s. and this year it happened to be in d.c.! over 2,000 walkers showed up to walk 17 miles from sunset through sunrise to raise funds for the prevention of suicide. words cannot capture how incredible this experience was. to be surrounded by so many people whose lives have been effected by such sorrow.
registration and the start line was right at the edge of the reflecting pool on the national mall. each walker was given a necklace of beads to indicate their connection to the cause. i'm wearing purple to represent the loss of a family member, my near nephew maxwell; and blue to represent support of the cause.
each walker is given a tee shirt to decorate as they'd like. i asked my sister-in-law jennilyn (max's mother) to decorate it with the partially bleached out image of max's face. it was heart rendering to see the names and pictures on everyone's shirts. the loss of so many loved ones....
just before the start there was an opening ceremony where a select few walkers shared their stories of loss and personal struggle.
and the walk begins! just at the steps of the lincoln memorial as the sun begins to drop down to the horizon.
this early in the night, the pack was still thick as we strolled en masse along the tidal basin. there were supporters lined along the path to cheer us on, and many confused tourists asking questions about the event. a good way to raise awareness!
our walk provided us with a gorgeous view of the jefferson memorial (my personal favorite sight in d.c.)
and a lovely shot of the the washington monument as the last little bit of daylight fades.
each walker is given a bracelet that lights up in a brilliant shade of cobalt blue. after the first rest stop, the pack begins to thin a little, but the path is clearly marked through the city by bouncing wrists of blue! i always did think d.c. was a city best seen at night. here we are approaching the capital building of our nation!
much credit to the organizers of the overnight walk. they kept us well fed!! after winding our way through the capital hill neighborhood and past union station, at mile 10 we had our "midnight lunch" at farragut north park. sandwiches, pasta salad, popcorn and cookies helped to fuel the weary travelers as we approached the northwest part of the district. at this point the weariness of not sleeping was just beginning to set in, and the blisters on the feet were just starting to form. but the energy of the crowd (and the chocolate covered espresso beans i was snacking on) helped us move forward!
mile 15 just south of georgetown and i was absolutely feeling the sleepies. my dear friend kate was walking with me through the event. i honestly don't know how i could have done it without her! having someone to chat with, laugh with, and even cry a little was essential.
3 am on the dot, and we crossed the finish line back to the steps of the lincoln memorial. 7 hours and 17 miles after we had started. i was so tired my vision was pixilated, but i felt calm and peaceful.
each walker is given a luminary to decorate, and they are lined up just beyond the finish line. the image of max was placed just at the top of the steps, in perfect view of the monument! i was so worried when i couldn't find him at first, but kate pointed out the group at the top forming a heart shape. and there he was! i will always be sad to have lost such a dear soul on this earth, but i will always have warmth in my heart for my beloved nephew!
my brother (max's father) met me at the finish line and sat with me through the closing ceremonies. a subdued recognition of the loss and struggles that so many face each day. the sky was just starting to lighten as we sat listening to an acapella version of "all you need is love". my brother drove my weary self back home to herndon to end the event with a hearty breakfast with my parents. a truly amazing experience from start to finish!!!
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