We've Arrived!

My feet are a little sore, but my heart is filled to the brim with Canadian pride.  I arrived in beautiful Vancouver on Tuesday afternoon.  Upon exiting the airplane, my soon-to-be three-year-old daughter, Sophia, said, "Where are the Olympics?"  I explained to her that the Olympics are all around us.  She said, "Mama, it really is beautiful. I am so excited. Ski fast Uncle Chris!"

The spirit is definitely all around us.  I first felt the spirit as I watched the Opening Ceremony from my couch in Texas.  My parents were in the audience, Chris walked in with the athletes and I couldn't help but think that our sister Dana was looking down on them from heaven. 

During the Prairie scene with the little boy, I then knew she was there as the beautiful Joni Mitchell song Both Sides Now came on.  Dana always sang that song to me growing up.  I had chills.  Some things in life just happen.  I am a firm believer that Dana knows we are here.  She never missed a party and some how she managed to put her mark on the grand spectacle of those ceremonies to let us know she too was so proud of Chris.    

I felt the Olympic dream as I watched the grand cauldron (we are calling it the torch) burn beautifully in the mid-day sunshine.  I strolled the streets and listened to people from all over the world talk about the events they had seen.  Kind and helpful Vancouverites chatted me up on the bus, told me where to go and what to see.  I got lost in the sea of people at The Bay picking up some last minute souvenirs. 

I met a handful of Canadian water polo athletes at the CAN Fund House.  We were within arms reach of the Canadian golden girl of Snowboard cross, Maelle Ricker, at  Canada House.  Maelle was gracious and we were so proud of her. 

I have been surprised at how many Canadian summer athletes are volunteering at the many events we are going to.  It has been fantastic to hear their stories and to see their smiling faces.

Many have asked if we have seen Chris.  Sophia asks over and over again, "Where's Uncle Chris?"  Chris has been off training in the Canadian bush with his teammates.  We did hear from him last night and he sounds great. 

Our crowd is growing here, family and friends are arriving from all over Canada and the US.  I am grateful for their support and for making this journey with us.  This truly is an experience of a lifetime.  I have been up late and rising early so that I can take in every minute.  I am not going to miss a thing, so stay tuned!