I'm linking up at Monday Mural
August 2024 - Toronto ON
I set out to find this mural last week.
Eighteen-year-old Terry Fox of Port Coquitlam, BC never saw himself as remarkable. Granted, he displayed an unusual determination to achieve the goals he set for himself but his orbit was local – family, school, sports and friends. But Terry’s cancer diagnosis of osteogenic sarcoma just above the knee, the subsequent amputation of his leg and experience in the cancer wards changed all that. A newly nurtured reservoir of compassion, combined with a fierce determination to bring an end to the suffering cancer causes, set Terry on a path that, quite simply, changed the world.
Click here to read about the Terry Fox Foundation.
And then a funny, serendipitous thing happened on FB.
My BFF's daughter posted this on Friday! John golfs with her husband, this retired police officer is his weekly golf partner.
And yes I've known them for more than 44 years!!!!!
44 years ago. My Dad was a fairly novice police officer for Halton police. A young man named Terry Fox ventured out on a cross country run of Canada to raise awareness for cancer. A young police officer got a call through dispatch to meet and escort Terry Fox through Oakville, little did this police officer know what this call truly meant to Canada.
My Dad met him, and provided security through his run, driving the car behind him.
A photographer named Peter Martin was able to capture this moment in time, preserving my dad's and Terry Fox's moment in history. The light in the darkness was perfect, the emotion was felt, history was built in this moment. I remember seeing this news clipping, and it was forever ingrained in my brain,
I searched for the photo, and it wasn’t until Pam Damoff, the MP of Oakville, posted this photo on Twitter and captioned Peter Martin that I was able to track it down, and from there the circle was closed. Dad was reunited with his photo, Peter was able to put a face to the car behind Terry, and the story was complete. I am truly grateful for the power of social media to bring these memories together. Thank you to Peter Martin and Pam Damoff for your help on completing this story.
What a nice and uplifting, and somewhat amazing story.
ReplyDelete...fabulous tribute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching story and wonderful piece of history! It's amazing how social media can reconnect us with meaningful moments from the past. Terry Fox's journey and the support he received from people like your dad truly illustrate the profound impact of collective efforts in the fight against cancer.
ReplyDeleteRead my new blog post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/08/best-ways-to-style-pink-shorts-for-chic-spring-summer-look.html Thank you.
Great story, and wonderful mural tribute to Terry Fox. But of course your personal story is priceless.
ReplyDeleteI’m surprised that it’s been such a long time since that epic run! It is neat how one can find bits of obscure history that in the past would have been impossible to locate.
ReplyDeletebest, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
A beautiful story and an amazing and huge mural
ReplyDeleteI am standing and applauding!
ReplyDeleteI knew about this brave man. But WOW what a wonderful story is this! And great murals.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story that is. It's all very special!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading about Terry Fox and his cross country adventure to raise funds to fight cancer. Wow, the power of social media, wonderful story! The mural is beautiful and a great tribute to Terry Fox. Thanks for participating in Monday Murals Jackie.
ReplyDeleteGreat murals.
ReplyDeleteAmazing all way around.
ReplyDelete