I don't think I have ever felt the way that I do right now about our team/family.
We flew to Phoenix last Thursday, toured Sedona and had our first glimpse of the Grand Canyon on Friday; hiked and celebrated everyone's accomplishment on Saturday and flew home after a five-hour delay on Sunday, arriving at the airport at 5:30 am. And while it has only been a few days since saying our goodbyes...this team...family...will always have a special place in my heart and I look forward to continuing our family for years to come.
This is a different posting because I'm sharing comments from my Team in Training Team (Team 12) and our hiking coach...the BEST hiking coach ever...and the BEST team ever!
Coach Mike: "Thank you Grand Canyon for taking my breath away and allowing our Team safe passage. We did not conquer you, we quaked within you, and came out different; better people from the visit and time we spent together."
SS: "...every member of our Westchester Team has had a profound impact on my life and I will forever carry you with me in my heart. This has been one of the most significant transformational experiences of my life which ranks up there with beating cancer and overcoming open heart surgery. Thank you all for the gifts you've given me—they live within my soul."
LG: "As a survivor, I started this adventure five months ago thinking I needed a new challenge, which included raising funds for a great cause. I finished my 6th event (Team and Training and Light the Night) and I have to let you all know that this has been the most inspirational and life-changing event that I have embarked in. Yes, I raised funds for cancer, but more importantly, I gained a new "family," a newfound love of hiking and a new approach to living life. Each and every one of you has impacted my life greatly and I want you each to know how much I appreciate you all..."
KB: "... thank you for letting me be a part of the team—a part of your family. Knowing that I was a part of helping such a great cause means the world to me and to have been able to share in this with all of you is the icing on the cake...we all have a chance to make a difference—as we all know—as we all did."
This isn't the end of a team, it is the beginning of life long friendships, a family. We have all gained so much excellent knowledge with a most unbelievable experience. This is right up there with my 6th Degree Black Belt testing in Korea. Only my wedding day and the birth of my children have meant more to me then this weekend.
Coach Mike; I am so humbled, grateful and extremely excited that I will have the opportunity to coach by your side next year. Your knowledge and experience is second to none and the fact that you made it so fun for all of us was inspiring.
Please consider joining us next year to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Team in Training. You will have the BEST time ever!
I will continue to post and share additional experiences from this journey.
Thank you for following my journey!
Master Chris Berlow
