UNITED

I have many things to be proud of, my family, their accomplishments, our community and what it stands for...but, I have never felt the love for my country as I do now. And, I am not alone. We as a people have stood up and said, yeah, this is a great country and we are proud of it and us!

Vancouver games began as any other Olympic games for me. Kind of uninterested, but because it was hosted by Canada I figured I would catch a little here and there. To me, more of an interruption to my normal tv watching and an interruption to my daily life. Also, anger for the costs of these games and how we as the tax-payers of this country would be on the hook for years and years to come.

As I watched the opening ceremonies I sat with tears in my eyes, often times running down my face. I was heart-broken over the death of the luge participant earlier that day and I felt the games were off to a terrible start. But, then as he was honoured and acknowledged at the opening ceremonies I began to see that this was the Olympic spirit. I loved all the Canadian sentiment during the opening ceremonies and full of pride at what to some would seem as rather quirky.

The next day I ran out and bought up all kinds of red mittens (even though the kids each had a pair already) we got t-shirts, caps and mascot key-chains. What changed in me? Just like the Olympic flame was lit, a flame was lit in my soul for the love of this country and what we represented. Over the course of 17 days we tuned in daily to watch our Canadian athletes compete and always win in our hearts. No matter where they placed, each and every one of those athletes did their very best. We are so thankful and proud of them for representing our country with such grace and dignity.

I loved the closing ceremonies and thought poking a little fun at every Canadian stereo-type was a great way to close the games. In the end, I hope that each and every country that came to Vancouver is feeling the same pride in their athletes and country as we as Canadians are today.

Canadians, we are indeed a country united, coast to coast to coast, fly our flag with pride. It is a new era here in Canada!