"Her heart is just as big as her dreams and goals."

As we hike we either observe the silence or chat. Anyone who knows an 11 year old girl knows that silence is short lived; Owee is no exception! She can talk when she is winded, she talks when she is asleep, she talks with her mouth full, she talks when she is listening to music, she talks when no one is around, she talks when no one is listening, and she talks when everyone else is talking. I don't mind it because unlike some other young persons, Owee will share with me bits of knowledge and insight which blow me away.

After she had decided she wanted to hike the PCT, out of the blue she said she wanted to do the hike for breast cancer awareness. Wow! She doesn't know anyone with breast cancer and she didn't know my Grandmother Marjorie Willis who fought and eventually succumbed to cancer more than 20 years ago. When I asked her why she claimed that is was a problem and she wanted to do the hike with a purpose.

I have been thinking about how her hike can bring awareness and the options are actually pretty simple. We will be carrying some bracelets and we will be making small ribbons that can be pinned to a backpack or shirt. Owee will be handing these out along the trail to anyone interested in engaging us in conversation. Another thought is to have a light-weight flag or banner we can attach to her backpack. BC awareness gear would also be helpful if it will be light weight and keep her cool/warm as needed.

I wish she had known my grandmother Marjorie; I barely remember her as I was young when she passed. What I do remember was how pretty she was, she was a great cook, and she gave good hugs. My dad and brother are both oncologists who fight breast cancer; I hope we never need their help for cancer treatment or need a referral, but I appreciate what they do. This hike helps Owee to help herself and others.

I love that Owee's heart is just as big as her dreams and goals. How can I even begin to imagine what she will be like when she grows up, when her youth amazes me every day?