Many months ago, I went to the RBC website to apply to be a 2010 Torch Bearer. People wanting to carry the torch had to pledge to make their community a better place, show how they are involved in the community, describe ways the reduce, reuse, recycle, and show the Canadian/Olympic Spirit.

So I made my pledge - which came natural to me for all the volunteer activities I am already am involved in, and anyone who has come to visit our home knows of our reusing, recycling, and water conservation! I waited with fingers crossed for a long time. You see my desire to run with the Torch is over 20 years old. When the Olympics were in Calgary in 1988, I was a junior high student in Newfoundland. The Torch would be coming through my home town. I was eager to see this, but in all my excitement I left my parent permission slip at home and could not attend. I knew from that day, if the Olympics ever came to Canada again, I would be a part of it.

When I finally got the word that I was selected as an official Torch Bearer, I was so proud, honoured and especially excited because I would be running just outside my hometown in Newfoundland.

The only thing that could make being a Torch Bearer more memorable, would be to run with my husband Trevor, a local RCMP Constable with the Kimberley Detachment. So he called up the RCMP contact who was in charge of the Torch Relay Security Team and asked if he could run as Torch Security along side me in Newfoundland. When we got the yes, from them, we were both amazed that this experience was really happening to us.

We drove from Kimberley to Calgary and flew across Canada on November 10 to St. John’s Newfoundland.

November 13th was the big day. Trevor had to be at Cape Spear (the Easterly point in North America) at 6:45am in order to assist with security for the first leg of the relay that day. So at 6:52 am, Trevor was there as RCMP Security holding the extra lantern with the Olympic Flame (in case the original one was blown out by the high winds or some freak accident.) I really wanted to be there to see the Torch be lit at Sunrise, but I had to be clear across town for at 8 am meeting of the torch bearers. We were told if we were late, then we couldn’t run. So I was not going to be late.

After Cape Spear, Trevor went to Petty Harbour which is small fishing community near St John’s. Here the torch would be passed onto another torch bearer who was in a Dory. - traditional Newfoundland fishing boat. Trevor was again in charge of the extra Olympic flame, and a few other duties. Apparently, Trevor stood and smiled allot while holding the flame at these places.

All I knew after dropping Trevor off early that morning was that we would meet up somewhere hopefully when I was running.

So at a few minutes to spare I was at my meeting place (although I did have time to grab a large Double Double). Within about 10 minutes of getting my Torch Bearer number (20) we were informed that the Host of Canada AM - Seamus O’Regan was running that morning. We were about to go live on TV to talk about our excitement before the big run. My run time was scheduled for 9:52 am, and most of my family were still at home, and a few of them saw me on the morning news. So that must have been a surprise.

After briefing us on how to carry the torch (red maple leaf towards our heart) and what our run would be like, the 20 of us loaded on the shuttle bus. The excitement and energy cannot be described. Each of us told our stories of how we were selected to be a torch bearer and some very touching stories were told.

Just as we were about to go, the bus driver said we were having another special guest. Most people were thinking along the lines of someone famous. So when Trevor walked on the bus, I just called out “That’s my husband!” I was so excited so see him and had been wondering where we would meet.

The both of us were now on the bus and we started dropping of the runners 1 by 1. When we got to my run spot, I searched for my family and saw my mom, then aunts, uncles and cousins and was so happy. A security guy came to turn the gas on my torch, and I waited for the runner to come light my torch. We took a few pictures before I ran. By the time I could see the guy coming with his torch lit, I was so anxious. He lit mine, and I was off on a slight jog. Since my run portion was only 300 meters, I jogged a little then walked most of the way. It was amazing to be holding the lit torch, seeing Trevor running beside me, my family and all their cameras! My run started at a Junior High School, so a few hundred school children lined the streets with their banners and flags, cheering and waving. It was beautiful. I stopped before I ran and after to let dozens of kids take pictures with me and of them holding the torch, their excitement was the best.

In four minutes, my run was over! The same man that lit my torch came over to turn off the gas and the flame died within about 5 seconds. It was a sad sight. I hugged a few family members got in more pictures and had to go back on the bus. Then they waited for it to cool down, then they opened it up, took out the gas cylinder and cut the gas line. How rude, I know.... but I guess for security reasons it cannot ever be lit again.

While in my Torch Bearer’s uniform, holding the Olympic Torch, I felt such pride, honour, and the desire to share it with everyone around me. Being a small part of the Olympic values of peace, hope, good sportsmanship and sharing this Torch, this symbol, meant so much. It was such a memorable experience and proud moment for both of us.

My Olympic journey does not stop after carrying the flame for 300 meters. For me, I wanted to volunteer at the Olympics. To be an ambassador for our Country, to wear my heart on my sleeve and welcome people from all around the world to our beautiful province. I applied and was chosen to be a Host during the Opening Ceremonies on February 12, and will also be a Host at Canada Hockey Place for 9 days during the Olympics, cheering on Team Canada of course!

The torch comes through Kimberley next Friday, January 22, 2010.