This past Thursday we were honoured to be invited to Camp Goodtimes. It was amazing interact with the kids that the ride was benefiting and those kids don't stop! It is go go go and hats off to the volunteers and leaders there who go go go too. From the dunk tank to casino day, we played hard! Camp Goodtimes also took a toll emotionally - especially at the end when we made a circle and passed a ball of blue yarn around. We each held on to a piece of that yarn as it was tied together therefore joining us. We each then squeezed all of our memories and good times from our day at Camp Goodtimes into the piece of yarn that we were holding. As the pieces were were holding onto were cut and separated, they created a friendship bracelet that was tied on to our wrists by a friend who shared the experience with us. The bracelets were now a symbol of the experience that we went through together. We were bonded.
Mine now hangs on my bike next to a photo of Emma, a junior rider who lost her battle a couple of weeks ago. Mike's bandanna, that he used the year he rode, is wrapped around my handlebars. These are the items that will inspire me and get me through the tough parts of the upcoming ride especially when I'm tired and want to give up. I also think of Kai and Kyra, my two junior riders who have lived through the battle of their lives. Kyra gets to go to Camp next week and she is so excited! It's a week where she can forget her battles, look past her battle worn body and just be a kid with other kids who understand.
So as I reflect - I can see why I was exhausted and I can see why I needed to sleep. Now I'm rested though so bring on the next three months! Tour is coming on fast and we need to send more kids to Camp!! My personal goal is to raise $25 000!
Thank you to my family and friends who have already donated.
Love you.
Janis
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