I’m terrible at holding in secrets. Not about other people… I’m good at that, but personal secrets. If something big or exciting is coming up or happening, I want everyone to know (hence, my blog). My secret has been brewing / in the works for a few months now. Yesterday, I received the official confirmation and so, I can finally publicize my big announcement… I’m going to be a torch bearer at this year’s Pan Am / Parapan American Games (held in Toronto). How cool is that!
I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of a big deal to me. I’m that person that watches the torch relays before the Olympics and tear up when I see certain people run. I may or may not have been have been pregnant while crying watching torch relays, but either way there is definitely an emotional aspect to being a torch bearer. First of all, it’s an honor. One that I was shocked to receive. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be a torch bearer and never in a million years did I think it would be due to my blogging (I also never thought I’d be a blogger, so there’s that too). Of course, there are a ton of other people more deserving of this, like teachers, amateur athletes and doctors, so it’s certainly an honour to have been selected.
On a personal level, I will be carrying the torch for all mothers out there who love their kids but show it in different ways. I will be carrying it for those mothers that decided to stay at home with their kids (like myself) but also for the ones that went back to work. I’ll be carrying the torch for those mothers that breast feed (like me) and those that bottle feed. I’ll be carrying the torch for those mothers that practice free range parenting (like I mostly do) but also for the ones that would consider themselves Helicopter parents. I will carry the torch for those mothers that practice attachment parenting and for those who let their children cry it out. I will carry it for the mothers who make their children’s meals all healthy and from scratch and for those mothers who do take out on a regular basis. I’m running for all the mothers who have big dreams: for themselves and their kids. I hope I will make you all proud, even if it’s just for a few hundred meters.
Life is full of surprises and changes, so never stop believing in your dreams. I always had a dream that I’d be in the Olympics. Not for anything specific, since I never went beyond high-school sports, but it was a fun pipe-dream nonetheless. Since that didn’t happen, this is the closest I’ll ever get and I couldn’t be happier or more excited.
Thanks to the lovely folks at Loblaws, who nominated me, I will be carrying the torch in Toronto on July 5th. I’ll find out more details in April, so stayed tuned and hope you will join me and follow along in my latest adventure!
Congrats! that’s amazeballs!!
Wow Maya, sounds amazing and so exciting!!!!!!!! Way to go!!!!
Miss you guys….
Thanks Israela. I’m so excited:) Miss you a lot too. Hope you’re all well. Xoxo
Maya, this is awesome! You are a proud representation of all the moms out there! Way to go and enjoy every moment of it!
Congratulations!!
Congratulations that is awesome. How proud you must be.
Awesome Congrats! 🙂
That is very cool. I can see why you’re so excited. Thanks for sharing your happy news with us and I look forward to watching and supporting you on your journey.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Hi Maya, This is wonderful news. Congratulations! You’ll be awesome representing all the mothers.
Love Chris
Thank you 🙂
SO incredibly excited for you, Maya!!!!
Absolutely fantastic! And all the mamas will tear up when they see you 🙂
Awwww… appreciate that! thank you, thank you!
This is such an incredible honour that you have been given – congratulations! Well deserved!
Thanks so much Amanda. Appreciate it 🙂
You will be the best freakin’ torchbearer they’ve ever seen…and will do all Moms proud, especially me! So happy for you. xo
Thanks Lisa!! Always appreciate your continued support. xoxo
Mazal tov Maya!
On behalf of all Mom’s let me say congratulations, it couldn’t have went to a nicer woman! I can’t wait to follow along with you on your exciting journey!
That is super sweet of you to say. Thank you so much Jodi 🙂 I really appreciate your comment.