Feeling Like A Winner
When I received the e-mail on Monday morning telling me that I was a finalist for this blogging scholarship, I decided that I would post the information on my blog and that I would send out an e-mail to my family and to a few friends in order to try to drum up some votes. I envisioned that maybe I would be able to get a few hundred votes, but had no idea how many I would need to win or if I even had a chance to win. I was so happy with the supportive responses I received from those family and friends and I was grateful when they told me they were going to tell their friends. I never expected the incredible response my little vote request has received in the past few days, though. As this has gathered momentum it has grown and grown and it just takes my breath away.
You can read the comments I have received on the blog, but what you can’t see is the hundreds of e-mails that have also flooded my in-box. I have heard from people whose mothers or sisters or friends have had breast cancer. I have heard from many breast cancer survivors and from some incredible student mothers. I have received e-mails from friends I haven’t seen in months or years and from so many more people all over the country and the world, both people I know and people I have never met.
Many people have posted a link to my blog or to the voting page on their own blogs, including complete strangers. I am continually astonished at the number of people who have gotten behind this, even if they don’t know me.
For the first few days I tried keep up with all the comments and e-mails by responding with at least a thank you, but I am now so far behind that I don’t know if I will ever catch up. I am still hoping to be able to respond to all of you, but it may be awhile before I get through all the e-mails.
I don’t know how to begin to thank all of you for this amazing outpouring of support. My family and I are so grateful to each one of you for your efforts to help me win this contest. Your response has been quite stunning and I don’t have the words to tell you how it makes me feel. With or without this scholarship, just knowing that there are so many people willing to rally around us at a time like this makes me feel like I have already won.
Thank you.
Comments
Kim,
You were a winner before BC even came into your life. I don't think experiences like this change you so much as they reveal who you really are. What a blessing to know that not only has this experience not crushed you, it has revealed your inner strength and beauty. Many people go through their whole lives fearful of what could happen or wonder if what is in them is real or not. You have the privilege of knowing that what you have: your marriage, your friendships, your inner strength, your faith, is indeed genuine.
Posted by: Joel Maners | October 12, 2007 03:17 PM
You *are* a winner! By sharing your law school story before cancer and now during cancer, you have touched so many lives and encouraged others. Spreading the word about you to help you win this money is the least we can do! I'm just so thrilled that so many people have continued to share your story. :)
Posted by: PT-LawMom | October 12, 2007 03:50 PM
Kim, we love you! Even though you and I have never met, I feel that we have shared this cancer experience together and we will both come out stronger on the other side. Glad so many are rallying to your side!
Posted by: WhyMommy | October 12, 2007 04:22 PM
Kim, people say (negatively) that "cancer is the gift that keeps on giving". It's true, sometimes we regress, sometimes we have recurrence. But it is true, that it is a gift that keeps on giving...you are an example of that. We've had breast cancer come into our lives for a reason...and sometimes it gets to be used for a good purpose. As in this case. You attract the love you deserve. It's just a fact of life. You are blessed.
Posted by: sherry | October 12, 2007 08:02 PM
Ditto to what the other ladies said - you get back what you put out. It's true in parenting, relationships, and life, I think. Sometimes it's hard to recognize, but it's there.
And as a fellow mom of 3 in a very challenging graduate school program, I really enjoy reading about the balance of motherhood and school. It's tough, but (hopefully) worth it in the end!
Posted by: Minivan mom | October 13, 2007 10:11 AM
Kim,
I too am a mom in law school and think you are an amazing woman. I have sent your information to all of my friends and family, many of whom have lives touched by cancer, and have requested that they read your blog and cast their vote. I have been inspired by your story and votes from Arizona and Utah are coming your way. You are truly deserving. Good luck to you.
Posted by: Shannon | October 13, 2007 10:44 PM
Good luck, but it looks like the Wired Science bloggers, of whom Shelley Batts is a part of, are trying to stack votes.
IMHO
Posted by: humbert | October 14, 2007 07:16 AM