What Canada means to me

 

Ok. So as horrible as this sounds, I was somewhat hesitant to throw my support behind the Olympics at the beginning of the year. I see a lot of different areas that our taxpayer dollars could have done. Therefore, my support began somewhat reticent. And as the days got closer I figured I wouldn't be watching a lot of the games. I had other things to do. 

Then it happened.

The opening ceremonies. It was while I was watching the opening ceremonies that a stirring inside me began. I became a little bit more proud to be a Canadian. Then as the days wore on, the patriotism that was inside me, reared its head. See, I have always envied the states their patriotism. You don't see it readily displayed here and so largely we are unaware that it even exists. But it stirred and as the Olympic days wore on, it stirred more and more. I went to some events. I took the kids downtown. And I can sit here and honestly say that I am glad I did.

Then today came. The ultimate teller. THE GAME OF ALL GAMES! Men's hockey for the gold. And who do we verse? But the states. I felt quite calm going into the game. Midway through when others were freaking at the intensity, I was calm. I was texting with a buddy in TO who NEVER watches hockey. Well he chose to watch this game, and he was a nervous wreck. I think I turned him into a hockey fan! What a game to become addicted on. LOL

So third period midway through we are sitting 2-1 I still was quite calm, thinking: "this is our game and they will not take this from us." Five minutes left, the intensity was hitting me and I started to become on the verge of tears as the intensity heated up. I knew that when that final buzzer went, I would cry. And then the unthinkable. The last 24 seconds of the game and they scored!

I was in shock! I didn't believe what I just witnessed. And now my heart was beating and pulsating like never before. Intermission. OT period starts. Seven minutes in, Crosby scores! I cried.

For you see, for me this was not simply a hockey game. This was not Canada breaking Olympic records. This was not about our victory. This, for me, was about Canada. Canada came together. We put whatever differences we may have aside and we came together in all our glorious patriotism and we did this!

That is what makes us Canadian. That is what distinguishes us. We may not go around and ram our country down the throats of others. We are far to well-mannered and gracious to do that. But when we want to, we exhibit our glorious patriotism for our wonderful country. Many amazing words have been spoken about Canada, including the gentleman from the opening ceremony who declared "We are More!" and I believe that.

Canada is More!. We are in some ways set apart from other countries. The fact that we can set aside our differences, for they are their within this country, and we can all pull together under one banner: the love or our Red and White. 

I heard it best from an announcer at the women's two man bobsled race. East and West came together and brought us the gold!!!

So, Canada, I salute you! Thank you for being a part of these glorious moments with me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of them with you. Thank you for granting me the honor of being able to say I AM CANADIAN. For never in history have better words been spoken. 

Canada: I salute you and I AM CANADIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!