I have just returned from the first ever RTW Mediator re-union. A few brave souls decided that since we are no longer RTW mediators and have new jobs that there is a need for and we are now responsible for the gathering of the RTW Mediators. We met in Collingwood at the beautiful Tyrolean Village in a Chalet that sleeps up to 12 people I think. We had seven for the first reunion and are already planning for next years event, which will be held on the weekend of May 21,22,23, 2010.
Here are a few snapshots of the event:
We shared some laughs, a few libations and some great meals together and no, Phil, breakfast wasn't covered by per Diem, although Carpe Diem was regularly heard around the Chalet. We shared some tears as well. Having no other agenda but to make sure that our friendships grew, there was a great amount of transparency and trust which a million meetings would have never accomplished (even with the appropriate dress code). The picture on the 
on the right was taken as we ate the amazing ribs that Donny made on the most questionable barbecue I have ever seen and he made them to perfection.
The following shot is a tribute to Dougie B in that "we got no time for that" was also a popular refrain for the weekend. We decided that we needed a name since we were summarily dispatched to the non Mediation world and now
are interventionists, which I suppose is better than exhibitionists, right Don?
As of this weekend and moving forward, we are to be formally referred to as "Kelly's Zeros", not to be confused with the movie of a similar name, "Kelly's Heroes". In a moment of brilliance, likely from the light gleaming off the top of Barry and Donny's heads, we determined that this annual event will be referred to as the reunion of Kelly's Zeros.
All survived and when the roll was taken early Sunday a.m. we cleaned and closed and headed towards our respective homes. Interestingly, the Chalet we called our abode for the weekend was situated on Kandahar lane. This group of battle weary warriors took up the valiant fight against the oppressor and in a
feat akin to David and Goliath, slew the giant in our minds.
In the end, kindness and friendship prevailed, as it always does. With Barry waxing eloquently and not measuring his words with anything, we raised a glass in memory of to most of those who have fallen. By the way, we chose not to invite anyone who was not a Mediator with the exception of Jazz who was otherwise indisposed. We did not invite breaded, Linda T. and Marie allowing them to enjoy their retirement without having to dredge up so many memories from the past. Weezie made the trek all the way from Prince Edward county. No one was able to find Charlie to even express good wishes to him.
We missed both good and bad Rose, Rosalie (I have a problem with this), The Z man, Janice Z (no relation I think), Dougie, Normand, Phil, Woody (there were so many stairs you would have probably hurt something), Frances, Brad (the new Woody, hopefully with eyebrows), Gordie (they could have used you as a Marshall on the golf course), Juliellen (where did the frog go), Karen and Annette. If I missed any of you, it was not intentional.
See you next year. It is our intent to plan another re-union and to once again celebrate the many friendships that have developed, grown and solidified over the past 11 years.
It is no longer good bye, it is "see you next year". I love you guys, it is a real honour to know you, work with you and to call you my friends. Thanks to "J" for being the only non board employee to have the stamina to stick with us and to put up with us as we nattered on and on trying to fix what what we would love to fix. If anyone else (former Mediators) wishes to join us, please let us know.
It's been a slice, see you all next year.
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