Paralympics Day 1 - The Torch

I often say I am thankful for my health. I get colds and headaches, but I have no chronic illnesses and have never been diagnosed with a disease. I also am known to complain, (and often) about how sore I am after any workout I do. I have really short hamstring muscles, (self diagnosed), and my legs hurt so much sometimes, that I can barely walk. But I still can. Walk that is. I have both of my legs and they both work. I take them for granted all the time.

Today, (well starting yesterday really) the Paralympic Torch was run in a 24 hour relay around a route that included Robson Street. And this morning I met and chatted with 3 of the torch-bearers.
Two of them served in Afghanistan and both lost limbs over there. They were both so proud to be carrying the Paralympic Torch for their country. I was just so proud to be talking to them.

CPL Billy Kerr lost both his legs and his left arm and is Canada’s only Afghanistan veteran triple-amputee, but instead of being bitter or complaining, he was almost jovial, he was so happy. We only chatted for a couple of minutes, as he began to get swarmed by well-wishers and photographers. His family was there with him, and everyone cheered loudly when his torch was lit. He never stopped smiling.

UPDATE: My Blog was read by a friend of Billy’s that pointed me toward his website, The Home for a Hero Project. Their goal is to “raise funds throughout their community to assist with the cost of providing Bill with a "Home for a Hero" as a gesture of their respect for the sacrifice he has made. It is their hope that he will have a home that will accommodate his injuries and new lifestyle and have room for his new wife and his two daughters.” For this to happen they need to raise approximately $300,000. To date, they have raised $249,000.

Me and Corporal Billy Kerr with the Paralympic Torch

I went over to talk with Master CPL Paul Franklin when I saw him being interviewed by… actually I’m not sure who it was by… they just had a small video camera so I assume it was an independent journalist. As I waited to speak with him, there was a gentleman nearby on his bike. I asked him if he was friends with the torch-bearer. His response: “I am proud to call him my friend”. I am such a sappy, emotional schmuck, I swear, I almost started crying when he said that.

When I got the chance to speak with Paul, I understood why his friend was so proud. Paul started up the Franklin Fund, an organization that works to improve opportunities for amputees to experience healthy active living, after he lost his legs serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

Master Corporal Paul Franklin and his son with the Paralympic Torch

He was there, on Robson Street with his son, (Simon? I think), and again, Proud is the only word I can think of to describe his son. He stood by his father’s side the entire time, and once Paul’s torch was lit, his son walked the whole distance with him, snapping pictures the entire way.

I made sure I thanked both of the Veterans, before they left. I thanked them for serving for Canada, for sacrificing so much for us; but instead of saying you’re welcome, they both thanked me for coming out to see them. Doesn’t really seem like a fair trade, does it?

Master CPL Franklin giving a salute before lighting his torch

The third torch bearer I got to meet was a Paralympic Athlete. And not just an Athlete, but a Paralympic GOLD and SILVER medalist! Lauren Barwick competed for Canada in Para-Dressage, (Equestrian) in 2008 in China. As well as carrying the Paralympic Torch on Robson, she also had the honour of lighting the Olympic Cauldron in Langley on February 8. Lauren became paralyzed from the waist down in 2000 when her back was broken when a bale of hay from an unstable stack fell on top of her.
With Lauren today was also her mother, who was wearing Lauren’s track suit from the Olympic Torch relay. She was so cute… when we took a picture together, she made sure we all showed off our Red Mittens!

Me with Lauren Barwick and her Mom

After Lauren left, I just stood there in the rain, in my rainboots. I looked down at my legs. They were there and they worked. I didn’t take them for granted anymore.