Today, I spoke at the mental health drop-in centre in Medicine Hat, AB. Initially I felt tired so my words lacked some enthusiasm but I still got good responses from a small group of patients and a few health care workers. In addition to arranging TV and newspaper coverage, the Canadian Mental Health Association marketing person actually invited the Mayor to greet us to their fantastic city. Frankly, I was a little shy about the experience at first but I can definitely get used to this type of nice gestures. I was tired at first and regurgitated my standard speech but after awhile I got comfortable with the warm and friendly faces at the centre, so I began to ease up and got in touch with the folks who asked me a lot of good questions. Talking to others who are familiar with the illness always motivates me greatly as their deep appreciation for this cause reminds me of the reasons why I am running.
The other awesome thing was that the Mayor invited Jay, my new tour manager, and I to dinner, which we happily accepted. Before the dinner, I was getting a little nervous and even started to worry about what to wear to the dinner. As it turned out, Mayor Norm Boucher and his wife Sonia are very down-to-earth people and the Mayor is as a nice person as he is a nice Mayor. Mrs. Mayor prepared a very nice meal, over which we shared some fantastic conversations. I was mesmerized by the Mayor’s insightfulness as well as his positive outlook on life. I was also happy that the Mayor wholeheartedly supports this cause. Meeting Mayor Boucher further opened up my eyes and mind.
The people of Medicine Hat have indeed been very kind and welcoming to the Cross Canada Run. For example, we were provided with complimentary stays at a couple of camp grounds while we were in the city. The Hat is another city that I have fallen in love with.
Total distance ran: 6877 km
Where I am: Medicine Hat, AB
Upcoming Schedule
May 1st – Brooks, AB
May 5th - 9th – Calgary, AB
May 12th – Banff, AB
May 16th – Golden, BC
1 response so far ↓
1 Rita Fung // May 3, 2009 at 9:23 pm
May 16th BC in sight already? Time flies.
Take care, Wayne and Jay.
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