I just got back from the annual Terry Fox Run here in the Toronto Beaches.  As it has been for the last 8 years since moving to my boardwalk apartment, the weather for the run is spectacular – sunny, mild and welcoming to the many who join me down here.  Today’s run was more bittersweet (if that is at all possible) than usual as run organizers celebrated the life of Betty Fox who passed away this year. It is her inspiring words that title this post.  This one compelling, heartfelt plea closed each of Betty’s many speeches given to Canadian school children over the past 25 years on behalf of her son.

I must admit that this run is quite personal for me. It is for everyone.  So many family and friends have been touched by this devastation called cancer.  Each year I head down the boardwalk to the registration table at Woodbine Beach, hoping to start my run early before the crowds come. I need a quiet buffer around me for the first 5 kilometres so I can reflect on family and friends, and the gift that is a happy, healthy life.  I took the photo above at the 2 kilometre mark today, when the trail rounds a bend and the whole of Lake Ontario opens up in front of me.  It is at this point that I remember Betty’s plea and make a pact to never forget my dreams. To never forget how lucky I am.