By Monica Davis

I STRONGLY believe everything happens for a reason, and feel like my life has been very blessed.

One of the most recent blessings has been the chance to be a part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. I felt so grateful to have the opportunity to join, and never could have dreamt for more.

But then another blessing was bestowed upon me by surprise: the chance to actually run with the flame. And I can think of no comparable experience to top what it felt like to be one of 12,000 torch bearers to run with the Olympic flame. It was my privilege to do so on New Year's Day, as Torch Bearer #71.

There I was, standing in a street in Timmins, Ontario, wearing the white Olympic torch uniform, in weather well below zero. Although it was freezing, I was too excited to think straight or care about how cold I was.

My torch bearer location was at one of the quieter spots on the relay, leading right onto Highway 101. There were not too many people in the street, as most had gathered in the main town.

What made my placement on the relay route special was that six of my coworkers were waiting at my flame exchange point (#71).Ê These were team mates and friends whom I have come to know and love over the past 50-odd days on the relay, working for Coca Cola.

Their cheers erupted as I stepped off the torch bearer shuttle bus, and I was engulfed in hugs. Cameras clicked away, and when everyone stepped back I saw my name written in the snow bank with our coveted Coca Cola glow bottles.Ê

I felt touched to have friends who would do this for me. Then someone pointed out that along the first 100 metres of my 300 metre run, my work partner, Brent, had lined the rest of the snow bank with glow bottles as well.

With my path lit, I looked at the flameless torch in my hands. Working as a part of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay I have the opportunity, every day, to see the torch pass by. I have held it on numerous occasions, and even keep one in the truck I drive in; yet it still manages to bring a tear to my eye to see a torch bearer carrying it high above their heads standing proud.

Looking at it there in my hands, I saw the white torch in a new light, with a fresh perspective and new meaning -- deeper than I could have ever imagined.Ê It stood for hope and togetherness, and for the pride and successes of our country. This was a huge honour!

I had only minutes to take in all the excitement before I saw Matt, one of the members of the VANOC advanced torch crew, barrel toward me at top speed. The Media One truck which captures all the action of the flame was directly behind him, and gaining ground fast. I knew the torch was approaching and ran into the middle of the road to be ready.

Matt, huffing and puffing from his sprint, stopped right in front of me. Gripping my torch and using the special torch key, he opened up the fuel chamber and wished me a good run. Then he took off down the street to do the same for the next torch bearer. My friends let out another loud cheer and I saw the flame coming toward me.

My mind went into a state of blankness as I watched the glowing flame approach. So many times before, I had encouraged crowds to cheer on their torch bearers, to show them support, to feel proud to be Canadian as they saw the flame run past. Now the flame was coming to me.

Continue article >>

When the torch bearer ran up beside me, we raised our torches high above our heads and touched the tips together. The flame from his torch ignited mine in a blaze. I could feel the heat of the fire on my arms and my face, and I snapped out of my dream world and reality hit.

This was it. My moment. This was my turn to carry the flame for Canada.

I looked up to see the flickering beauty of the flame -- and took off. It was real. I was running, and everything else just blurred into the background. The cheers from my friends were muted into an excited hum -- and I flew, one leg in front of the other thumping down the pavement.

Running with my arm held high, I had so many thoughts flash through my head -- yet my mind felt blank. I thought of my family, watching at a cafŽ in Mount Baker, logged on CTV's live torch bearer web cam. I blew mom the kiss that I told her I would. I was sprinting at top speed, and couldn't slow down.

I passed the final few glow bottles lining my run, and cut left across traffic just as my route was outlined. Cars were stopped in both directions as I sprinted into the street, and their horns started honking madly in support.

It was really sinking in for me now. I was not watching someone else run with the flame; I was on the flip side, actually holding it. It was not only just the flame they were cheering on, it was me carrying it as a representative of Canada. I started to cry, feeling proud to be Canadian.

As I forged forward on my run, I realised I was crying tears of joy and yet grinning ear to ear. My 300 metres felt like an eternity contained within a few seconds, an epic moment.

I saw Debbie, torch bearer #72, standing in the middle of the street, marking the end of my run. Fast approaching her, I watched as Matt released her fuel lock.

I ran up to attack her in a hug. Then, just as was done for me, I took a step back to stand face to face with her and passed the flame.

My run was over, and the flame was on its way to cover another 300 metres of its 45,000 kilometre journey.

The run has changed me. My attitude, my thoughts, my faith. I proudly wear the cross around my neck each day I run on the relay, and dedicate my day on the run to someone. Whether a family member, a friend, or a complete stranger who has inspired me, each day I run with them in mind.

I meet some of the most amazing people on this relay, and their energy and support keep me going. As I write this, it is day 81 of 106 of The Relay. The longest domestic torch relay ever done.

Working more than 10 hours a day, every day, nearly 106 days straight -- there's a new hotel every night, a new town every half hour. It's a crazy life, but incredible.

The stories I have from being on this relay are unimaginable, and I feel gifted to be connecting Canadians across our country. I make a conscious effort to work to improve and bring happiness to the lives of those around me, and feel inspired to do so.

The opportunity I was gifted with on January 1, 2010, to carry the Olympic flame, is one I am eternally grateful for -- and will be a reminder of how lucky I am to be so gifted.

Now my mission is to pay it forward!

Monica Davis is from Vancouver, and attends St. Mary's Kerrisdale Anglican Church.

January 20/2010