What a Day...
Sunday morning, 8AM. Trying to choke down breakfast... Already having nerves. Since February we have been meeting, planning, discussing, e-mailing. And it's all for one day... Today.
I arrive at the museum, to be hurled in to a harmonious combination of volunteers, jobs to be done, and strong leadership. My hair, blaring red in the sunlight draws attention, compliments, and to me, thoughts of Eva.
Sitting at the registration table, I take totals, count money, and begin to see the magnitude of work that people have put in to this event. Names, faces and stories swirling about. It's such a welcoming warm environment, so open. People gathered together with one common interest.
The walk. I meet my team outside... We stand around our banner, and smile proudly as the camera snaps away. I feel blessed, inspired, and at peace. I begin the walk, carrying our team name Recycled Parts on a great big banner, with my dear friend Nadeen... A tear falls from my eye.
Arrive back at the museum. A brisk 50 minute walk, in the fresh air, around Wascana lake. Smiling faces, people chatting. Hungry bellies, filling buns with ketchup, mustard, relish and plates filling with beans and potato salad. Alas, I cannot eat. My tummy rumbles, not with hunger, but with nerves.
Head in to the auditorium. People stream in... Filling seats. I sit next to my love, look at his face, and think for the hundreth time today how lucky I am to have this wonderful man in my life. I breathe deep, close my eyes, and enjoy the moment.
Our strong leader, opens up the ceremonies. Tickets are drawn, prizes are won. Introduction, and thanks are said. I am introduced...
I walk up on stage. Curse my PMS, and over-emotional state as it is. I make it through my 9 minute speech, only pausing once to compose myself, although many times the tears were close. I blow my nose 3 times, and assure you, that will be edited out of the video I post! But I hear cheers, and calls from the crowd. Once I begin, the words flow from my mouth, the meaning behind my words apparent in the waver of my voice. When I leave the stage, I embrace Tim, and cry on his shoulder. I approach my team mates, my friends, my loved ones... Tears and hugs all around.
As our Canadian CF Foundation celebrated 50 years this year, the occasion calls for cake. Two candles represent each decade of the foundation... A representative is called up to light each candle. This one for parents, fighting the CF battle with their children. This one, for all those who we have lost before. This candle, for future generations. I am honoured to light a candle. Three young adults with CF, Tim being one of them, are invited to the stage... To blow out the candles. To make a wish, for CF stand for "cure found", and future generations to not have to suffer with this disease.
Fundraising totals announced. I was honoured to recieve 5th overall fundraiser at our event... A prize was won, but not needed. The hard work was definetly worth it. The highest fundraising team in all of Canada, was with our chapter, and their dedication and commitment to this cause resulted in over $34,000 raised!! One team... Wow!! Way to go Team Teresa!! And in total, this one event raised over $94,000!! What an amazing feat... What an accomplishment. How proud I am to have been on the committee of an event that was so successful, with participants so dedicated. I am truly honoured.
Great times with friends. Great times with family. Great strides for Cystic Fibrosis.
Sunday May 30th, will forever be remembered, as one of the best days of my life.
I will dedicate my next post to this event as well, but with photos, and a video of my speech.
Thanks so much to each and every one of you for you words of encouragement and your ongoing support!
Much love,
-A. <3
I arrive at the museum, to be hurled in to a harmonious combination of volunteers, jobs to be done, and strong leadership. My hair, blaring red in the sunlight draws attention, compliments, and to me, thoughts of Eva.
Sitting at the registration table, I take totals, count money, and begin to see the magnitude of work that people have put in to this event. Names, faces and stories swirling about. It's such a welcoming warm environment, so open. People gathered together with one common interest.
The walk. I meet my team outside... We stand around our banner, and smile proudly as the camera snaps away. I feel blessed, inspired, and at peace. I begin the walk, carrying our team name Recycled Parts on a great big banner, with my dear friend Nadeen... A tear falls from my eye.
Arrive back at the museum. A brisk 50 minute walk, in the fresh air, around Wascana lake. Smiling faces, people chatting. Hungry bellies, filling buns with ketchup, mustard, relish and plates filling with beans and potato salad. Alas, I cannot eat. My tummy rumbles, not with hunger, but with nerves.
Head in to the auditorium. People stream in... Filling seats. I sit next to my love, look at his face, and think for the hundreth time today how lucky I am to have this wonderful man in my life. I breathe deep, close my eyes, and enjoy the moment.
Our strong leader, opens up the ceremonies. Tickets are drawn, prizes are won. Introduction, and thanks are said. I am introduced...
I walk up on stage. Curse my PMS, and over-emotional state as it is. I make it through my 9 minute speech, only pausing once to compose myself, although many times the tears were close. I blow my nose 3 times, and assure you, that will be edited out of the video I post! But I hear cheers, and calls from the crowd. Once I begin, the words flow from my mouth, the meaning behind my words apparent in the waver of my voice. When I leave the stage, I embrace Tim, and cry on his shoulder. I approach my team mates, my friends, my loved ones... Tears and hugs all around.
As our Canadian CF Foundation celebrated 50 years this year, the occasion calls for cake. Two candles represent each decade of the foundation... A representative is called up to light each candle. This one for parents, fighting the CF battle with their children. This one, for all those who we have lost before. This candle, for future generations. I am honoured to light a candle. Three young adults with CF, Tim being one of them, are invited to the stage... To blow out the candles. To make a wish, for CF stand for "cure found", and future generations to not have to suffer with this disease.
Fundraising totals announced. I was honoured to recieve 5th overall fundraiser at our event... A prize was won, but not needed. The hard work was definetly worth it. The highest fundraising team in all of Canada, was with our chapter, and their dedication and commitment to this cause resulted in over $34,000 raised!! One team... Wow!! Way to go Team Teresa!! And in total, this one event raised over $94,000!! What an amazing feat... What an accomplishment. How proud I am to have been on the committee of an event that was so successful, with participants so dedicated. I am truly honoured.
Great times with friends. Great times with family. Great strides for Cystic Fibrosis.
Sunday May 30th, will forever be remembered, as one of the best days of my life.
I will dedicate my next post to this event as well, but with photos, and a video of my speech.
Thanks so much to each and every one of you for you words of encouragement and your ongoing support!
Much love,
-A. <3