First, I have to say Happy Birthday to Stephanie - I never forgot you!!!!!!!!!!

Today was the first day we didn't have an early rise. Lunch wasn't until 1:00 p.m., would have been great if I actually had got some sleep instead of listening to the zoo in the bed next to me. Seriously though, it wouldn't have been a good trip without them. I couldn't manage not having them here if I was to win, but especially for not winning to still have them here by my side...like after all the races were done how my mom came to me and said "I don't care, you're still me #1 and my champion" it meant more to me than any trophy.

Don't get me wrong, it still would have meant the world to me and I know so many more to finish even in the top three. But the friends and the experience will be one I will cherish forever!!!!!!! My young buddy I meet in Jarslburg - Philip Scott, the pony driver - came to the track today in his Canadian hat along with many other kids, but this guy spent the whole day by my side he even joined us for the closing ceremony. I so hated to say goodbye...funny in a short time how you become so close to so many people, and I know he'll be reading this so my good friend it's been a privilege to spend time with you and anytime you come to Ontario, Canada I welcome you and your family to my home.

And to Standardbred Canada, if I wore one my hat would be off to you. I now realize how much really went in to this. From the format of the Nationals which created a lot of interest to the beautiful province of British Colombia and to my beautiful province of Newfoundland, I thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Even though I did not place it has been an honour to represent Canada in this beautiful country of Norway where I have come to meet some great people and just experience a totally different but enjoyable way of life. These are memories I will carry with me for a lifetime.

Last, but certainly not least, to all of you that sent messages, emails, phone calls, notes, postcards and to everyone that also signed all three banners, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It really kept my spirits high to receive the feedback from all these blogs. It was really amazing and quite flattering, I thank you and wish you all the best. To my three babies we had to leave home, I miss you and I thank you for your time and patience. Nanna and Poppy, we miss you too.

So I guess this is it!!!!! Sandra and I are walking around on this hot, Norwegian holiday taking in as much as we can before we leave in the morning.

Thanks To All
Sincerely, Brad O Forward