I'd like to give a special thanks to Coca Cola for sponsoring, outfitting and purchasing the torch I carried. I will cherish and share it always.  I would also like to thank all the people who wrote to Coca Cola nominating me, I never imagined this would actually happen.

I'd like to share some thoughts and observations:
    I am very impressed that neither sponsor, Coca Cola and Chevrolet, did anything to diminish the intent and spirit of the Olympics- rather, they seemed to do everything possible to insure that everyone would feel and understand how special this experience really is.  Their supporting staff was fantastic.  These people have been on the road with many long hours since early December.  Our hostess, driver and everyone we came in contact with were cheerful, enthusiastic, caring and helpful.  I can not praise these people enough!

    The response and reaction of the crowds to the flame seemed to be something that could only come from the deepest parts of ourselves.  The flame appeared to burn away the divisions, limitations and boundaries that each of us have built up within ourselves.  I couldn't help but feel that it really was acting like a beacon to draw all the people of the world to it.  The torch bearers seemed to be representatives of all of us, and as such, by personal example, call everyone to strive for something even greater.  Some of the torch bearers were in wheel chairs, others had physical disabilities, terminal illness or carrying the heartache of personal tragedy. Some ran to honor others.  I was with one who was celebrating life while remembering the family that donated their dead child's organs so she could run that day.  There was also someone who did the Ironman competitions.  We spent about fifteen minutes in the bus, each of us sharing the who we are, what we were doing and why.  We all laughed and we all cried.  Our hostess commented that she had to be the most fortunate person for this experience because she had not realized before, just how many wonderful people there really are in the world.  I share her feelings.  Probably, that's part of what this is all about.  It's a pretty powerful flame- best worn on the inside each day!