There is Family, Then there is the Olympia Family

This past weekend taught Joy and I yet another lesson on the journey we are on and the importance of connection. This book tour has combined selling some books with having priceless reconnections with heroes from our Olympia past. 

Saturday's event in Newmarket was put together by Olympia legend and long-time ally Jackie Zicaro at a fantastic setting at the Market Brewing Company on Steeles Ave. What a place for a team party! I'm sure week 5 veterans love the logo and its connection to Olympia lore. The numbers were lower than we thought may be there but our attitude goes back to what Nan says in the tribute page. We just try our best, put one foot in front of the other and keep learning, keep growing. This morning I saw a tweet from another author that made me feel sad for them and glad that our attitude follows nan's advice and sage words.





"Only 2 people came to my author signing yesterday, so I was pretty bummed about it. Especially as 37 people responded "going" to the event. Kind of upset, honestly, and a little embarrassed."


I couldn't disagree more. Ironic that this author  needs to read my book! Social media can create false expectations in the societal scorecard  and if you are relying on others to define your path's success then there will be disappointments. You have accomplished the writing of a book, and the selling and signing is another step in the journey. A book signing event is a chance to share your knowledge and passions with others. The afternoon was a thrill to spend time with and see the members of the Zicaro family and the Evans family show that they truly are members of the Olympia family. The book being a chance for these great friends to get together warms the heart. No book sales will ever trump that. Lots of  laughs and lots of love. And thanks to Joe for the kind words about the book!


Everything is an experience, if you just slow down and let it happen. The next day, Sunday, Joy and I drove to London, where Leslie Potter connected us to the Canadian Brewhouse on Richmond St, another beautiful spot. We listened to an audiobook as we drove to the Forest City and really enjoyed it. An audiobook will now be a project that I will be taking on with A Hero's Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports Camp. Without the driving, we would never have thought of an audiobook as something we should be doing. It's going to be another fun aspect to this journey.

It was great to connect with Olympians from week 5 and week 4, and especially great to spend time with week 7 doctor Dr. Amit Shah. I remember my interview with Dr. Shah for the book as we met for the first time a few years ago. We also are on a committee together planning for the 50th anniversary celebration of Olympia but to talk to this inspiring, caring man in person meant a lot. He informed me that he may be the oldest camper in Olympia history as one year in his 40's he decided to join the volleyball session and was going thorough drills with a bunch of 14 year olds. Great story. I admire him for everything he has done for Olympia, and his support of my journey, but I also admire the fact that he is an ER doctor who is using his talents to help people when they are in a terrible situation in their lives, especially with the current state of our health system. Cool thing about Dr. Shah is that he was more thankful for Joy and what she does as an oncology nurse. Dr Shah has led an heroic journey! 

Also great to see Ashley Edgeworth, who is in third year at Brock and I think I remember her when she was three! What an impressive young woman. Her dad is a football coach at Western, they live in London, and she is third year at Brock? ! How did that happen? Ashley is on her journey and what a great teacher she is going to be!

Olympia legend and great friend Chuck McMahon, always so awesome to spend time with, gave me a thought I want to try. He thought some Olympians may be getting together over the holidays and that maybe that would be a way for me to connect. 

Here's the plan, and if nothing comes of it that's OK too... If there are a bunch of Olympians planning to get together, email me and I'll play Rudolph and drop  by and get  the books with you. We live in Burlington, so it'll be worth the drive. The messages in this book mean a lot, and I'd love to get it to as many Olympians as I can, knowing the messages will mean a lot to them too.


Upcoming Tour Of Olympia Events

Friday December 16         10am till 4pm          Jacob Ranton Memorial Basketball Tournament 

                                                                         Waterloo Collegiate 300 Hazel Street 

                                            proceeds to the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council WRSPC


Sunday December 18          Private luncheon with the Hamilton Basketball referees 1pm


Got an idea or location you'd like to share? Email me at coachdools71@gmail.com


Comments

  1. Greg RogersDecember 6, 2022 at 7:09 AM

    Chris.... Keep up the great work of bringing the Olympia family together. Also would you kindly remind folks about Dave's GoFundMe.

    ReplyDelete

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