The Torch came to Kingston!

What a day. I was excited all day.... talking about the torch, about my run, and the new run. I wore my jacket but felt a bit stupid wearing it... but its a monumental moment in time... what better day to wear it again.

Most of the staff from the school walked to Maple street about 1:50 and waited almost 30 minutes for the flame to fly by us. How cool that right where we were standing, the waiting torch bearer was planted... with his flameless torch. He is a young man named Trevor from Truro, somewhere. It was nerve wrecking for him with everyone taking his picture and he was standing there for like 20 minutes. At first, I stayed back, understanding his stress, but then I thought, what... am I crazy... here is a picture. The old meets the new... I made sure and cozied up to him and had a photo moment.

One of the camera clickers told me to touch the torch but I didn't feel right... it was his moment.. not mine. I asked if I could put my hand on his hand...and he agreed, joyfully. When I placed my hand on his... he was absolutely shaking so badly, I felt the motherly need to put my arm around him and I whispered... I know how your feeling. Try and enjoy every moment... it will stay with you forever!!!

He nodded, and said thank you... and I left him to the camera clickers. Who knows if he even heard me!

Then the wait. It seemed to take forever, but I bet Trevor felt like it was an hour! When the caravan of vans came down the road, the thin but plentiful crowd at this end of town started to cheer and wave flags. Both schools (staff only) were lining the streets, as there was no school for the children today. It was so nice to be a part of it all. When the first guy came closer to our little Trevor he greeted him with a big grin, a knowing hug and a loud energized cheer! Trevor was more subdued since he was so nervous, he couldn't really take it all in (my opinion only!!). Guy number 1, then tipped his torch towards the awaiting torch and passed along the flame. This was very cool.

I believe each hand off is celebrated with the "lighting of the torch".

Then our Trevor was off....

Kingston School was cheering loud and waving our little flags. I hope he could hear us!

My favorite moment? The experience was very different than what I had

experienced in 1987. It would be like comparing apples and oranges. I felt a connection to the runners, I understood what all the caravans were for, and I understood what they were feeling. I had three favorite moments.

1. Trevor's trembling hands. His trembling brought back all the

emotion I was feeling, and I know if he was a girl, he would have been crying!

2. The passing of the "flame". This was unique, and symbolic.

The torch was beautiful. At first, when looked at out of context, the torch

looked kind of odd, not torch like. But, being there, seeing the flame spread down the top half of the torch, its wide flame dancing backwards... it was majestic!

3. This guys face. I don't even know him. He was guy #1. We waited with Trevor for this guy, all excited... anticipating.. When he arrived, he was exhilarated, pumped, and he was eager to pass along the flame.

But after Trevor left with the torch, there he stood... guy # 1, done. It was over. Its in his face. He said quietly to the crowd, that was amazing. I then got a lump, as I watched him walk onto the waiting van.. watched him sit down... quietly and alone on the bus. He was the first runner of this team.

It was wonderful to be a part of.. and I hope I get to see another Olympics come through our country.

My cousin Dave carried the torch tonight in Lunenburg area, and I know when we see each other again, we will have a lot to talk about. Caroline Winters carried the torch in Greenwood, and I can't wait to see how things went...

And that is it... I end this week of Torching... but its still November, and even though I have the start of a cold.. I must blog... every day... until Nov 30.... oh... and no sugar this month either.. ugh.. this is all getting to be a big much!