Oh Canada! Go, Canada, GO!!!!!

"The Olympic flame kissed the dark Vancouver sky..." So begins a CBC news report on the spectacular opening of the 20-10 Winter Games on our west coast on Friday evening!

What a moment! What a moment to be Canadian in our "true north, (so) strong and free!

From time to time it is good to be reminded of who you are, where you come from and how much potential that gives your life today, and in the future!

Even before the moment when the snowboarder whipped down a run, vaulted through the Olympic rings and offered a welcome to game, wonder was at work!

In a short video clip prior to the actual ceremony we were reminded that we live in the land "Where anything is possible...because we live in the greatest country on earth!!"

Nationalistic pride and patriotism aside this was a message we all need to hear more than once!

The video clip also reminded us that "We are more than gracious hosts....we are a nation of leaders, heroes and champions!" Too true!

At this point even before things really got heated up I was already thinking that I was turning to mush. The line about Canada being the land where anything is possible resonated with me so deeply. I'll tell you why in a later blog as it relates to my "maternal grand sire" Harry A. Barnard, the orphan boy form England who came to Canada with his brother Frank and ended up owning a farm and raising a fine family. Tears flowed as I thought about my Poppa B and his great life in his adopted land. But for now.....

That electric moment when BC folks rockers Nellie Furtado and Bryan Adams took to the stage and belted out : Bang Your Drum.....the lyrics which include " Bang your drum a little louder so the whole world can hear" fitting in with the drumming and joyful gyrations of the dance that the first Nations reps had been doing all around the stage! Then those important lyrics.... "Dream Big!!! Aim High!!"
How inspirational.
I thought about how these words apply to all of us in Jersey Canada and involved with our growing breed around the world.

And there was so much more...meaningful to me because of my love for the Island nation of Haiti was having our Haitian-born Governor General officiate at the games. Another person adopting Canada as home like my Poppa and soaring!!!!

The Great One Gretzky lighting the flame, assisted by greats Nancy Greene Raine; Catriona Le May Doan; The Man In Motion Rick Hansen and super-talented Steve Nash! WOW!

k.d. lang singing Cohen's Hallelujah! Canuck titans like Barbara Ann Scott; Anne Murray (you knew she was born in Northern Nova Scotia, eh?); Romeo Dallaire; and Terry fox's Mom Betty ushering in the Olympic flame! Have mercy!

And in the midst of it all that moment when Clara Hughes with the widest smile possible had the distinct honour of leading the rock solid, amazing, glory-bound Canadian team in the ring-magic!

This morning I have listened to that awesome West Coast girl Nellie Furtado sing that powerful song of her making, FORCA!

A fitting send-off to Team Canada as they get ready to do what forca means...kick some you know what!

So, yes, OH Canada, GO CANADA, GO!!!!!!! God speed all competitors!!!