Hello friends! I have HUGE news to share with you. I have been keeping a secret: On January 11th, 2010, I got a phone call informing me that I had been chosen to be 1 of 130 people in BC and 1 of 600 Canada-wide to carry the Paralympic flame!! As you can imagine, I was almost beside myself and I started crying on the phone. The gentleman who called me probably thought I was nuts, but his news really took my breath away.
I have finally been given permission to share this incredible news with all of you and I can't tell you how humbled I am to have a chance to become a part of Paralympic history. This is the first Paralympic Torch Relay ever.
I have the option of purchasing my torch and when my Father and Mother-In-Law heard, they generously sent me an early birthday gift, a cheque to cover the cost. I can't tell you how sweet that was. It means an awful lot to me.
For those of you who are local, I really hope that you will come down to share this special moment with me. It would be so wonderful to have some familiar faces in the crowd and nothing would make me happier. I will be carrying the torch at Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver on March 12, 2010, between 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Please email me and let me know if you plan to attend so I can keep an eye out for you!
In addition to the torch, I will also be wearing and keeping this cool uniform:
The mittens are special-they are like the red Olympic mittens, but with two important differences: instead of having the Olympic rings on them, they bear the Agitos, the official symbol of the Paralympic Games and the maple leaf on the palm side is made of special grippy material to aid in the handling of the torch. These mittens will not be available in stores.
The torch for the Paralympics is steel blue, much like the uniform. More information about the Torch Relay can be found here.
So...all I can tell you in the midst of all this is that if you're going to dream, dream BIG. My story began with "Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved the Olympics.." and it has the very best of fairytale endings.
27 comments:
I had tears of joy for you as I read your blog entry. How unbelievably wonderful that is. I am so happy for you and wish you nothing but the best. One of your ROD admirers.
oh, wow. WOW. I have tears in my eyes as I type, because I know how exciting this is for you, and what a dream come true it is. SO EXCITING. I am so thrilled and happy for you, and wish I could be there to see it! just know that I am there with you in spirit, and I'm sending a ton of love your way. ♥
xoxo
Wow, L! I'm so very happy for you! Congratulations. You deserve every second of it.
How fabulous!!! You are such a kind hearted, generous and giving person. I can only say that the committee made an excellent decision in choosing you. xo
My darling friend I am so thrilled for you this is monumental! You are a perfect choice for this amazing and life changing event. Bravo.
Much Love-
kristen
Congratulations!
I am happy for you.
I've met you at one of the exchange.
Mariette xox
Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! You go, girl!
I am THRILLED for you. Canada couldn't find a better person to carry that torch.
I carry a torch for YOU in my heart.
XO
HOLY COW!!!! OH L, WHAT A JOY it is to read this! I too am moved to tears, I am so proud! I am sure it goes without saying that DH will videotape you. I cannot WAIT to see it! How wonderful! xoxoxox
I second tara...please videotape it and post it somewhere for us to be there with you. Good things come to good people and you are definitely the best.
I am so thrilled for you! You've done such a good job representing Canada already,and keeping us all informed. This is such great news, you deserve it so much. Yes...Photos and videos for us to celebrate with you.
Oh Lelainia, I am so so happy for you. It brings tears to my eyes. You must be thoroughly overjoyed. What an amazing opportunity. You have had quite the string of experiences haven't you. The future grandkids will be wickedly proud and impressed.
I am so happy for you girlfriend!! Wonderful news, you are indeed a special lady in every way!!
gretchen
I love it that this dream has come true for you dear Lelainia! It is awesome news! I want to see that video too! I can hardly wait. XO
Wow..congratulations!
Light from the torch in your heart to the torch in your hand! AWESOME!!!
What an amazing opprotunity. A once in a lifetime experience for sure. Congratulations. Look forward to reading about it later.
Congratulations Lelainia! YOu have had SUCH a busy month -- and a once in a lifetime experience!!!
congratulations!
what an exhilirating opportunity...
enjoy enjoy enjoy.
It's always so heartwarming to read about a dream/goal achieved and more so when granted the honor of one yet to be imagined. Congratulations!!! You are an excellent representative for Canada.
Wonderful! Congratulations. What an exciting honor.
SO AWESOME!!!! Congrats!
Congratulations!!! How exciting..Yeah!!!!
debby
Lelainia;
I'm so so excited for you. I would have loved to have come down to cheer you on, but I have to pick up the kids from school at 3:30 before we head over to the opening ceremonies that day. You will be brilliant, I know you will.
Congratulations how very very wonderful. I will watch the CBC news to see if I can see you and I'll be cheering you on from afar
Congratulations how very very wonderful. I will watch the CBC news on Friday see you and be cheering you on from afar
How exciting! I am thrilled for you. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Lelainia, how incredible for you! I know you must be over the moon excited. Please let us know how the experience is for you -- when your feet touch the ground, of course! (From an ROD classmate)
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