I have often stood in awe of the pride for one’s country that I have seen evident in other places. Americans are well known for great displays of pride. Two years ago I travelled to Spain and made the mistake (or was it) of taking the Subway just before a big soccer match. This was an amazing experience- I did not know that one Subway car could hold so many people- all wearing their team colours and singing their team songs- all hearts were clearly beating as one (you could feel it in the air)!!

The time has come for Canada to do the same- to stand up and be proud of our amazing country!!

We all know we love it-but for some reason we never really show it! I think the winter games in Vancouver have changed Canadians forever in this way.

We went into these games with a lot of hope and high expectations for our athletes. We took a hit at the beginning- other countries giving their opinion as to how we were handling the olympics. We felt fear and maybe some shame- but we turned it around.

We went from a country that has NEVER won a gold on home soil- to a country that is now tied for the most gold medals held at a winter olympics!! Today we hope to break the tie and win another gold!!

We saw our athletes persevere- through the death of loved ones, through falls, through insults and slandering BUT we have gone on one and showed just what CANADIANS are truly made of!!

We have seen great displays by our athletes- they are amazing people who have done amazing things!! I AM SO PROUD OF THEM ALL!!

This winter olympic game has been the first that I have ever watched. It was the first time that I felt pride so vast that I cried, stayed up way past bedtime, swore in front of my child (with joy and only once) and screamed as loud as I can with joy!! I am so sad to see the games end!!

Tonight we will sit as a family and watch the final big event- the hockey game- CANADA VS USA! Many people will be tuned in as this is a well known hockey rivalry. Canadians hold high expectations for our hockey players (it is after all not just a game to us but it is OUR GAME!) I know our hockey athletes will do us proud!!

I BELIEVE!!

Until we craft again, The Brae-er