Julie's Story, from a daughter

If it is a story you are looking for than it is a story I will give... On December 27th, 2001 Mary Murphy experienced her greatest honor of 58 years. She found herself surrounded by the very friends that made this possible on the corner of Montaup Street and Freedom Street in the proud town of Fall River, Massachusetts. She stepped off of the runner's shuttle with torch in hand and her great country in her heart. She stood in her moment of glory listening to her fellow Americans cheer for her, as her fellow torch bearer was ready to hand over the age old tradition. It was her time to carry this symbol for the proudest 2/10ths of a mile in her life. She began her run with the best of her energy and made sure she said hello to everyone. Her perfectly white ensemble gave her the accent she needed in order to look her best and that she did. At that moment, she was not focusing on her triumphs over ovarian cancer and all of the trials that went with that horrible time. She simply focused on each symbol of happiness waving back at her throughout her run. I remember her telling me "Sitting on that bus and listening to everyone’s story, I thought to myself, I only have cancer?” These people are amazing." Amazing was Mary coming around the final stretch of her run and seeing her mother "Janny" standing to give her a proud wave as to say "That's my girl!" Mary finished up her experience with the passing of the flame to another local hero and found herself surrounded by the best of friends and family. As I watched Mary smile for the cameras, she held her torch and the Stars and Stripes proudly on the street called "Freedom". I wiped the tears from my eyes and quietly whispered to myself... "That's my Mom".
Thank you for reading!