Last Saturday morning, I woke up early to take part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Meadowmere Park in Grapevine, TX. I had never been to Meadowmere Park but it was so serene and peaceful first thing in the morning. There was a slight chill in the air, definitely a breeze, the Alzheimer’s Association had the park reserved just for the walk, it was perfect. We got there a little early so we were there to watch everyone begin to roll in.

Once we “signed in” and got our t-shirts, we went to the flower station. Each participant would receive a pinwheel flower. The color of the flower was based on why you are participating in the event. The flowers were intended to be placed all together to form a garden while we walked but since it was so windy outside, we took them with us.

There were four flower colors:

Blue – Individual who has Alzheimer’s.

Purple – In memory of loved ones that have passed from Alzheimer’s.

Yellow – Representing those who have a loved one who currently has or is a care giver for Alzheimer’s.

Orange – Supporting the cause.

Before the walk, there was some live music, a short ceremony and a t-shirt contest (for the groups that designed t-shirts specifically for their team). It’s really amazing how many people came out to participate in this event and how into the event some teams got. It’s pretty special.

And then our two mile walk began! There was even a snake hanging out on the road along the way. (All the men stopped to look.)

It’s pretty special to take part in such a great event. It brings everyone together, young and old whether you have lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s, currently have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, are a caregiver or just want to support the cause. It was really nice to take part in and is very personal. Before the event, I received a hand written card from one of the hosts of the event for having a team. How often does that even happen anymore?

Thank you everyone who donated to the walk. Without your donations, the Alzheimer’s Association would not be able to provide care and assistance for those in need and fund research to find a cure. It truely means everything!If you would like to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, please check out the link, here. There are walks all over the country. It is definitely something to be proud to take part in. I encourage you to participate in an event near you!