Well, it's done... I took a few days to digest the tour (and a fair bit of turkey) before I wrote anything. I can't believe it's over. When I try to think of the whole thing, it's a blur and I can't focus on particular details, I have to look at it by days and by shows, then it is clear as day.
To wrap up, I had two great shows on the island, John Barsby in Nanaimo and Royal Oak in Victoria. Both were very different crowds, with great energy, and it was a wonderful way to end it all. After finishing the last show, I drove down to "Mile 0" of the Trans Canada and did some pics and video, it was fun! I even got the shoes and socks off and got my feet into the Pacific - awesome! It was all very surreal as the realization of the distance, time and people I had encountered started to wash over me... all very cool. One of my dearest friends happened to be working on the island, so he met up with me for a late celebratory dinner, which was great. A late rise the next day and nice breakfast, then the ferry back to Vancouver (along with some repacking of the car and bags while in line), relaxing at Z's, catching a movie and then - the flight home. I had a relaxing flight and burst into tears when I came around the corner to see Leigh and the girls waiting for me with signs and smiling faces, it was a great reunion. It was the longest I had ever been away from them and was hard to do, but definitely worth it for the experience I had. The fact is, I couldn't have done it without their support.
There are a lot of people that I should thank now that I'm talking about it, and there is no better time than the present!!
Leigh, Gabbie and Sam, my ladies - your support, love and confidence in me is why I'm at this point, I carried you with me all the way across the country... as I do always.
Dad, Yvette, Arnie, Sarah, Christian and the nieces and nephews - your messages, notes, and constant backing me up was invaluable. You're my family and I love you.
Leigh Beachem and Rob Gerth from The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Foundation, thanks for making this so easy for me, for setting up the blogs and such and for giving me a forum to spread the word about the 2 namesakes of the organization who are an inspiration to us all.
My boy Danny and everyone at National Car rental; thanks for letting me keep the same car the whole way and for your great customer service, it was awesome!
To my friends who always have my back: Ryan, Stu, Scotty, John, Nibs, Philly D, Billy Edge, Z, Ace, Kuch, and many others who I am forgetting - thanks gang, you're the best friends a guy could ask for.
To my teacher advisor friends, thanks for having me be a part of your school year, and thanks for making the tour so wonderful. In particular as well to my friends on the board of CASAA, you helped me secure many of these shows with your support, I'm honored to sit at that table with you. Marc and Johnny O; you were two of the first on board and you did it without question or hesitation, you made it all real for me and got the ball rolling.
Phill and the gang at Eclipse Promotions - the T-shirts were awesome and thanks for cranking them out so quickly and on demand, much appreciated, hopefully there will be more orders coming in.
My old student council buddy Dan and Impressions Printing, thanks for getting the ticket stubs done so quickly for me pre-tour - they were great.
My cameraman Rob, it was an up and down ride, but the film should look great in the end, thanks for being a part of it and for "goin' prairie" with me.
Mom and Dad Fraser and the rest of the "in-law" clan - you guys have stood by me and be so supportive the whole way - thanks, as always, you make me feel like part of the family.
To the memory of the great Christopher Reeve, you are an inspiration to millions... and will continue to be. You are shining example that I share with students everyday that people who attempt something bigger than themselves, and step out of their boundaries, can affect the lives of other in positive ways. You make me realize that nothing is impossible, I will Go Forward.
And to the memory of my Mom... you are my greatest inspiration and the reason I get up there every day. You always made me believe that positive attitude can get you through anything, and you did it through your example. You were the embodiment of my credo "Pain is Inevitable, Misery is a Choice". Your memory has helped to inspire many people over the years and will continue to, thank you for what you gave to me and to all who met you. You touched many lives... just being you.
I am hoping to have a total of monies raised soon and will post it. It won't be what I set out to do (tough year to get corporate sponsors) but we did our best. Speaking of which, there are still Tee's and Dog Tags available for sale at www.iantyson.ca - buy em up!!! Every cent of profit goes to CDRF and we need more! There is also a link still active on my site for straight up donations - those are also welcome!
This has been the experience of a lifetime. Thanks for following along... I'm sorry they weren't as frequent as I initially said they would be, but I wasn't banking on being as tired as I was by the time I got to the hotels! I will likely do another couple of blogs/videos as totals come in.
I could not do this without the support of all you! Thanks.
Much Love,
Ian
