Once again this year, unable to gather for the Annual Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis, we walked in the Pacific Spirit Park today in memory of Jodi and all those who are bravely suffering from these debilitating diseases.
A year ago on June 5th I posted about a day like no other after walking in support of those suffering from Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Walking again today in the annual fundraising Gutsy Walk was also a day like no other but for a very different reason and with the disease symbol itself seeming to take on a very different meaning.
As I walked around Trout Lake in the sunshine here in Vancouver this morning with all those suffering from these crippling diseases together with their loved ones and supporters my thoughts were not only with them but also a few thousand miles away in Bermondsey, London where I lived, studied, worked and taught fifty years ago. How many times have I walked across London Bridge and how well I remember its re-opening in March 1973, which I blogged about last year.
And now another night of terror, pain and despair for too many has visited on that same bridge and on those same streets that I knew so well. There are really no more words other than to express my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to families and friends who have lost loved ones, especially the family of Christine Archibald from here in British Columbia, Canada; and to wish all those recovering in those great London hospitals, a full recovery.
Oh how I wish I didn’t have to post this image again so soon after the attack in Manchester.
Today has been a day full of honour, gratitude and inspiration.
Where to start?
Perhaps I’ll use the words of Dylan Thomas from the opening of his great poem Under Milk Wood, “To begin at the beginning…”
The day began with a message from WordPress Discover on Twitter that my post “From Yardwork to Artwork” was being featured today as an editor’s pick.
I had received an email a week ago from Krista, one of WordPress’s great Editors, informing me that she had made the selection and I wrote back to thank her and to say how honoured I was. Her weekly photo challenges are always so enjoyable as you all know, so a big, big thank you once again Krista.
This week’s Photo Challenge is all about Numbers, which certainly applies to today with my reaching over 1000 followers on The Changing Palette…
…so I extend my gratitude to all of my wonderful followers for staying around for so long, and to those of you who have joined today in response to the post on WordPress Discover, a special welcome. I will be replying to all of your great comments over the next few days, so stay tuned.
Finally, the inspiration today was from all those taking part in this year’s Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. I walk every year and wouldn’t miss it. This year it was held at Trout Lake in Vancouver on an unusually hot Sunday morning, but as always everyone was in the greatest of spirits. A special thank you to all of the volunteers, organizers and sponsors.
It really has been a day like no other as you can see.
Seven days to go to the Annual Gutsy Walk for Crohns and Colitis.
Spare change always appreciated.
Why not register and help make a difference.
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