“I remember being a six-year-old boy and waking up every morning and rushing to the TV to see where Terry was that day.” Steve Nash
GRANT: So, where are you at with the book? I’m at Chapter 4.
VICKY: I’m near the end of Chapter 3. It feels odd to read this book because I feel like I was there yet I obviously wasn’t since I hadn’t even turned 1 when he started his run.
GRANT: Ah Vickster, such a young pup! I’m a bit older than you so I remember Terry and his run. It gives me chills just thinking about it.
VICKY: I wish I was older and could have taken part in his journey in some way. He ran for 143 days from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario for a total of 5,373 kilometres. Not only did he run but he spoke to and met thousands of Canadians along the way. I’m so proud of him and what he stands for that it gets a bit overwhelming sometimes when I read this book.
GRANT: Well, you are taking part in his journey. That’s the thing about Terry, no matter when or where, he makes us all feel like we’re a part of his journey because in my opinion, his journey continues. Whether it’s through fundraising, running the Marathon of Hope or simply keeping his legacy alive. That’s what we’re doing right now my friend, we’re spreading the good word by bringing all this information and attention to the man and his cause.
VICKY: You’re right but it’s not like making a documentary about the man. I was watching TSN the other night and I saw a promo for a new documentary about Terry Fox. Guess who’s the filmaker? I’ll give you one clue: Canadian basketball superstar.
GRANT: Steve Nash?
VICKY: Yup. ESPN presented him with the opportunity to film a sports documentary and apparently he’s a huge Terry Fox fan so, voilà! The film is called “Into the Wind“. Nash says Americans don’t know much about Terry but he hopes to bring his story to their attention and inspire them as well. Check it out on the following networks and times (ET):
- ESPN on September 28 at 8:00 p.m.
- TSN2 on September 29 at 9:00 p.m.
- CTV on September 30 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
GRANT: Well I’m definitely marking my calendar. I love Steve Nash and I love Terry Fox so I can’t wait to see this film. If any of you are parents out there, don’t forget that this Thursday (September 30) is the Terry Fox National School Run Day.
VICKY: Living a healthy lifestyle and doing a good deed for someone else (or a cause you believe in) are great life lessons that all kids should learn. I hope you’ll encourage your kids to participate in this great event!
GRANT: So, what’s your favourite part of the book so far?
VICKY: I just read about the initial struggles he went through as he started the run and what struck a nerve for me was how much he and his family were adamant about the donations going to the cause. Turn to page 13-14 and you’ll see how his intentions were so pure and good. This is my favourite excerpt so far: “If you give, your gift is pure charity, a gift from the heart, not one that benefits a company. No one was to profit from Terry’s run, ever.”
GRANT: I love that about him. I must admit though, the part about them in St. John’s and then Mayor Dorothy Wyatt was a riot! I laughed out loud when I read that chapter. I could see her running behind Terry and I could just imagine him being so polite and well mannered as she talked his ear off.
VICKY: Oh come on, she’s from back home so she’s harmless! I agree, that was pretty funny. Another part I found interesting was how little money they had to take on this adventure. Before reading this book, I didn’t realize the generosity they relied upon to get through each day. It’s amazing how Canadians just opened their homes to them and provided them with a hot shower and so on. There were so many gestures of goodwill and a wonderful show of patriotism that we rarely see in today’s “Me first” society.
GRANT: I completely agree. Anyone else have any first thoughts on this book? Let us know. Alright Vic, I’m off to read some more. As opposed to our last book, this one is a page turner!
Our Magazine
The Terry Fox doc was on TSN2 a week or so ago too. It was well done although I don’t think it covered any new ground for Canadians, it wasn’t made for Canadians. It will be a perfect introduction for Americans. I was only 4 at the time so it was good to see some of the images that I had only read about.
I read the book during my vacation in early September. Although we’re all familiar with how the run hit critical mass once he hit Ontario, what really impressed me was not only how he trained but, like you, especially how he persevered during the early part of the run when he was unknown and had almost no support.
Are either of you familiar with Douglas coupland’s book about Terry Fox? It has a bit of narrative but mostly it’s a coffee table style picture book. There are some great images in there. The one that always sticks with me is of the sock that he wore on his prosthetic leg (the Nash documentary mentions it too).