The Western Massachusetts Walk to Defeat ALS is coming up soon, 10 days to be exact, and I was asked by the ALS Association to write about “Why I Walk”.
This is what I wrote.
(painting of Izzy by my mom, Valerie Atkinson)
I walk because I remember being a little girl, sitting on the floor of her mother’s art studio. My mom is Valerie and my name is Adelle. I am her daughter and the youngest of Valerie’s three children, my older brothers are Dylan and Holland. Valerie’s art studio was on the second floor of my childhood home in St. Paul, Minnesota. I spent many hours there, hanging out, watching my mom paint while I made paper collages on the floor. My baby book said I loved to “cut and paste”. I don’t remember my own art projects so much, it was my mom that was captivating. Valerie would stand at her easel, paint brush in hand, our pet dove snoozing peacefully on her shoulder, Miles Davis quietly playing in the background, and me, cutting and pasting on the floor, watching her. Absorbing an artist whose talent was perfectly obvious to me, I was so proud of what she would accomplish right before my young eyes. Whole scenes coming to life, unfolding before me on canvas. I loved to tell anyone who would listen that my mom was an artist. Indeed, Valerie is dedicated to her craft. Her talents extend much further than the canvas though. She gives her all to each and every thing she does. Valerie has been a true partner to my Dad (David) for over 50 years, she’s an incredible Grandmother, gardener, interior decorator, cook, writer, fiber artist, painter, calligrapher, the list goes on and on. When she is curious about something, she explores it completely. Her life and the way she has lived has been deeply impactful on me. She taught me how to crochet when I was only 4 years old, as a mother myself now, I marvel at what must have been her patience to see that I understood what she was teaching me. I’m so grateful that she took the time to do that with me. To this day, crocheting is where I feel most at peace. My adult life is filled with art and music, family and meaningful friendships. Valerie planted those creative seeds in me as her child and carefully tended that garden.
I walk because Valerie, my mom, has ALS. Tears immediately fill my eyes just writing that. This diagnosis leaves my mom without the ability to crochet with me, cook her delicious meals for our family, plant and maintain a garden, go for a walk with our dog Sami, sew clothes for my daughters dolls, travel with her husband, sketch out a poster idea for my business and on and on. What ALS takes from not just the person living with it but from everyone who cares for that individual, is immeasurable. It’s painful in a way that leaves me fumbling for words.
I walk because ALS leaves me feeling helpless and I’m desperate to look for ways to be of use when it comes to this disease. If you don’t know my mom Valerie, then walk for me. Walk for a stranger you don’t know who has ALS. Walk because we can. Walk today to raise money to make ALS livable and someday, curable.
I walk for the little girl, Adelle, sitting on the floor of her mother’s art studio.
I walk for the artist, mother, and wife Valerie.
My team is called Valerie's Visionaries.
We will be Walking to Defeat ALS, Saturday, Sept. 6th, at Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park in Northampton. Meet time is 10am, walk at 11am. Easy one mile and family friendly.
I made a goal to raise $5,000 because 5 is my favorite number and 5,000 seemed like, why not? I’m at 63.1% of my goal, and it would be incredible to hit that $5,000. I’ve never organized a fundraiser before so this is new territory for me. If you have the means and feel moved to donate, I would so grateful. Here is a link to the Facebook fundraiser page too. I hope all the bold links work.
With endless love and appreciation,
Adelle
Please come walk with me and my family!