Sunday, March 29, 2009

Terry Fox ESPN

I am 46 years old and I still can't speak about Terry Fox without crying. He was only a couple of years older than me but he was a giant in my eyes. I have been through some things since then and now I don't see a giant, I see a precious too-young boy with a giant's heart.

I woke up from my nap full of thoughts of Terry, perhaps because of a visit this morning from fellow and former Vancouverites John Zaritsky and his producer Montana Berg. Terry was also from Vancouver and anyone with a particular lilt in their accent reminds me of him. Zaritsky and Berg by the way are going to do a documentary about me, but more on that later.

A few months before I graduated high school, Terry Fox dipped his remaining foot into the Atlantic Ocean. He had lost a leg to cancer and as a consequence decided to run 26 miles PER DAY across Canada. He was to end in Vancouver and this time dip his feet into the more familiar waters of the Pacific.

Like most Canadians, I tuned in to the TV every night to check his progress ( or in Canadian, "proh-gress"). Like most Canadians I was felled by grief when his Marathon of Hope ended after over 3000 miles. He learned in Thunder Bay that the cancer had metastasized to his lungs and he had to return home for treatment which was ultimately unsuccessful.

I can't quite say why I'm sharing this or what I want to say about him except that today, 28 years after his death, my heart is full for Terry. Here he is:

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

thank you for posting this.
it is a wake-up call to all
and you, dear carla
are among those who continue to wake us up,
to life, love, and the pursuit of happiness...thank you!

Anonymous said...

I reposted it on my FaceBook to remind others and to thank for for reminding me.

Anonymous said...

I'm speechless. 26 miles a day on one leg --- for over 3,000 miles. What an inspiration. It makes me want to reach higher and live life with a fuller heart and spirit and reminds me what limitless beings we all have the potential to be if we can allow ourselves to let go of of our own insecurities and fears and the limits we place on ourselves. 28 years later and Terry is still making an impact. Thank you for posting this. KK

Anonymous said...

I had forgotten about this wonderful man but your posting brought back memories of wishing him on and checking the news for his progress every day!!! Wow. The things we put in the back of our minds.... Thanks for bringing it forward so we don't forget. The story gave me goosebumps and tears all over again.
Thank you Carla!

Gail Hildebrandt said...

I know how you feel when you cry thinking about Terry. I think about his interview in Thunderbay when he told everyone that he had to go home and couldn't finish his run. I cry everytime I think about that, but he did finish his run - all those Canadians who loved him so much finished for him carrying his spirit on their shoulders, running for the cause and keeping his ideals alive. There are those in this world that will continue to leave a mark, giant footprints forever in this earth, I am not one of them, but I thank God everyday for those who do.

Anonymous said...

Gail says: "There are those in this world that will continue to leave a mark, giant footprints forever in this earth, I am not one of them, but I thank God everyday for those who do."

And I say to Gail: Your footprints, too, will leave their giant mark. You are you, one and only you. And your footprints (no matter their size) leave their marks. Love them! :)

Judith said...

Thank you Carla, for making it so easy for us to view the documentary on Terry Fox. I googled the Terry Fox Foundation and learned that over $400 Million has been raised in his name. Perhaps your posting will encourage readers to begin a Terry Fox Run in their community if there isn't one.

Anonymous said...

I have always wanted to walk across the continent (walk! I'm no Terry Fox)I almost have my niece convinced to walk it with me on my 50th birthday (6 years from now) but maybe I shouldn't wait.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweet Girl,

As Terry Fox inspired, so do you. When I think of what you accomplish with your words, the courage you give each time you write, your ability to make each and everyone of us want to be better and do better with the time we have here, I am grateful to know you.

Six of the Gladstone graduates are meeting in Palm Springs on the 16th. to celebrate our 70th birthdays. We will raise a glass to you and send you our love.

Love, Pat