To be selected as one of the 7,000 medal bearers that will have the honour of walking/running/wheeling across Canada for Rick Hansen’s 25th anniversary of the Man in Motion Tour is something that I will cherish. 25 years ago, Rick was closing in on his goal of wheel-charring around the globe and raising the awareness and funds for spinal cord research. Today, I got to carry the medal that has been making its journey across Canada…each medal bearer has a compeling story to tell.
I was only 10 years old when my father became a paraplegic and we have grown as a family as a result of it. We never have dwelled on the tragedy but rather always looked at opportunity and possibility. In earlier posts I have said how this was a wake call for me…(at a young age), that there are no guarantees in life and we never know when it is up so try and cram as much as we can into our lives. My father has been my strength and has always been a guide. I have learned much from this person and the result is someone who is active in the community and has a solid foundation. I owe much to him so today; my 250m of the walk for the Rick Hansen Relay was dedicated to him.
It is difficult to describe how it felt to walk the 250m. There were many emotions I felt. Anticipation at the opportunity I have been given today, reflection on the journey from Feb 10, 1972 (dated of my father’s accident) to today, happiness that I got to do something to commemorate this person, passion to hear other people’s stories and what they are doing to make a difference, strength and determination for many who are overcoming obstacles…there are many things this involves. There are 7,000 medal bearers and they all have a story to share.
I do want to thank Gord Barrett and Derek Moscato who came out to help celebrate this relay and it was wonderful to have them there. Derek is someone I have gotten to know over the last 2 ½ years and we have forged a great working relationship. He is a storyteller and someone who has the gift of writing. Gord is like my brother and we have had many journeys over the last 19 years. If there is someone who will stand by my side outside of my immediate family, it is Gord. Both of these individuals are great souls.
So last week I renewed my oath to be a Canadian citizen, today in my 250m’s, I renewed my oath to be engaged with my community and young leaders and to continue to build stories. For now, you get 50 more years and when I turn 100, see what other way I can renew this oath. This was an amazing and emotional day…I would venture that apart from the birth of Sahil and I am sure I have some 50/50-2012 already this year…this one is up there.