For the first time since rejoining the Tour of Hope on July 9th there is no need to rise early. Despite this I am up, as my feeble attempt to park the truck and trailer in the lot across from the cottage last night, has awaken me.
Craig arranges a morning run with neighbour Jeff whose property borders Awenda Provincial Park directly north of Penetanguishene(much easier to type then pronounce). Awenda Park is the second largest park in Southern Ontario at 1,863 hectares and we quickly get lost in the over 30 kilometres of maintained trails. The 45 minute run evaporates quickly as I enjoy the surroundings and Jeff's knowledge of the native history that dates back over 11,000 years. Upon returning Craig offers an invite to see more of the park by mountain bike and does not seem the least bit bothered that this is my first mountain bike ride. In fact, I sense a grin as we mount the bikes and immediately start to climb up, way up, as I am left to figure out how to operate the three chain rings and brakes. By the end of the ride I am feeling pretty proud that I returned less any broken bones only to be told by Craig that the course was not the least bit technical. I consider, only briefly, if I have time for a ride on my road bike and choose instead to relax with family at the lake.
Craig and Judy have invited Thunder Beach friends and neighbours to their cottage for a Tour of Hope fund-raiser this evening. Bonnie and I are proud to see Alexandra and Connor join Somerset outside as they introduce themselves and welcome guests to the Jarvis's pointing to the Tour of Hope banner and Terry's van as part of the pitch that they had rehearsed earlier. The 3 younger ones then join Windemere and Nathan serving appetizers inside. Craig speaks eloquently about his cancer journey acknowledging the many friend that are present this evening who provided support along the way. I remember back to the 18 months of chemotherapy that Terry endured and how we, as family members, felt helpless not knowing how to assist him during these dark days. Terry did his very best to mask the pain though you always had a sense of what he was experiencing from the stories he shared of others who were battling the disease. Terry would often say that it was easier for him because he could fight the disease. Craig then shares how he has mistakenly introduced me as Terry Fox's brother at previous Tour of Hope events and that it should have been Darrell Fox. I suggest to Craig that he was right all along - I am simply Terry Fox's brother only replicating my role serving and protecting Terry 28 years later.
Darrell Fox
Recent Comments