Today, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Camp Widow® Toronto was incredible in ways I struggle to describe. I wish I could find words powerful enough to describe the sensation of standing in front of a sign that says Soaring Spirits International on the day before your program launches for the first time in a new country. My eyes fill with tears, still, when I realize what WE have done for widowed people...internationally. Though Camp Widow® was my crazy idea, the implementation of this unique weekend program has been the work of many hands, and more hearts. Without the amazing people who surround me, this program would not be possible. And more importantly, without the widowed people willing to conquer whatever fears they face in coming to a camp for widowed people, Camp Widow would not be the safe, understanding,freeing place that is has become. In six years weve held TEN Camp Widow® weekends. What?! The time has flown by, and yet I can still feel the energy of that very first camp, I think the memory of those first brave campers (and every single one since) is stamped on my soul. You have changed me. Youve inspired me. You challenge me to be better, do better, live better. Anytime I get frustrated by the challenges of running a small non-profit, or just plain exhausted by the hours or number of tasks that need to be accomplished, without fail YOU lift me up and remind me of the power of community. To all of my Rotary friends...thank you for believing in me, and in this program. Your support was pivotal in making Camp Widow® Toronto a possibility. To all of my Soaring Spirits team (board members, planning team, volunteers, and amazing presenters)...where would I be without you?! The expansion of our programs is a direct result of your dedication. To all of my family and friends....thank you for sharing me with my widowed community. I know the distribution of time is not often equal, but I feel your love and support every day. To all of my Camp Widow® campers...your courage awes me, and the spirit of this camp will stay with me forever. See, another new way to use the word...forever! To my Michael...you are a gift not only to me, but to every camper who interacts with you. Your ability to touch hearts with kindness and understanding is a joy to witness. To my Phil...your belief in me was one of the first things I put into my cement mixer. Thank you for providing me with such an incredible base on which to build an amazing life. Your love is so strong that it seeps through every single thing I have built since the time we didnt say goodbye. Here are just a few photos that friends have shared with me. I promise to get you the official camp photos as soon as I can! If you are still reading, thank you for allowing me a space in which to share the fact that one of my dreams has come true.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:48:18 +0000
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