Sunday, February 28, 2010

More Than Just Games



It's been a very long time since I have even logged into Blogger.
But the reason for that is; The Mechlings have been SO busy these last, psh......3 weeks, it's insane.
We've been a good busy though.
We had family, family, 1 boyfriend, and more family over.
It's been such an experience.
We've all been so spoiled.
It was great fun being able to stuff weekend after weekend with exciting things! It'll take me forever to blog about it!
So for now, I just want to get this memory, this night, in writing.
I know i'll never forget it, but ya know, just in case;)

This evening was in fact, the closing ceremonies to the 21st Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, Canada.
We raced home tonight so we could all gather round the tv once more to watch the last footage of these amazing Olympics.
We had seen it all those past 2 weeks.
Apolo Ohno winning 2 more medals to become the most decorated Winter Olympian.


A few tears may have slipped out when Apolo faced his Dad after winning his 8th medal. Apolo smiled big (of course;), and held up 8 fingers for his best friend, oh, and the whole world. His Dad faced his son, smiled, and held up 8 fingers too! In just a few minutes, Apolo scrambled his way up the stands, and gave his Dad a big, hug.
We watched, and yes, screamed with anger and sadness as he was disqualified (unfairly) from the Men's 500m Final.
We all, ALL adored and continued to adore Apolo even more after that.
Us girls gushing about him more for that insanely irresistibly gorgeous smile,

and eternal positive attitude no matter what hurdle came in his way. It amazed me that even after being disqualified, guess what was still shinning across his face? A joyful, smile. Not a sarcastic smile, no, a positive, "ya know what, it's ok", smile.

What an inspiration.
Speaking of inspiration, thanks to Apolo, I believe Harrison will be the next, Apolo. Harrison has taken on rollerblading which is to him, his first step in training to be the next great Speed Skater.
He's in the basement every day, improving more and more.
I'm proud enough to say that he has actually really truly, beat me in an 8 lap race, on skates.
I will admit, I did not let him win.
Look out.
He's determined.
(and adorable;)
We also watched, and cried, as Joannie Rochette skated her absolute best even after her mother had died just days before.

We all cheered for her as she painfully and emotionally pulled through her last performance.

We all cried when she won bronze.
How proud Canada should be to have her.
After the ceremonies were through tonight and everyone was in bed, I couldn't make myself go upstairs and admit that it was all over.
For awhile, I couldn't figure out why.
When you look at it one way, you try asking yourself, "why are you so emotionally attached to a tv program that you just sat and watched for 2 weeks? It's just tv!"
But to me, it was more than just tv. SO much more.
The Olympics opened on a perfect day.
It was Maddie's birthday.
Jordan and Dj (the boyfriend;) came down from school to spend the weekend with us.
Guess what was dumped on Georgia for the 2nd time this year ON that day?
SNOW!
4 whole inches!
Wow!
That night, we all came home from pizza in the square, in the snow, and watched the Opening Ceremonies.
As we watched, the snow still fell right outside. We were all gathered around in the living room together, sharing this time with each other.
It was such a happy and unforgettable night.
2 weeks went by with the same similar story; adding in Aunt Donna and taking away the snow part. (I'll go into Aunt Donna's visit another time. It was too fun!:)
2 weeks, and here I am in the living room, alone. Last one standing. Last one remembering.
I thought how ironic it was that there was a full moon out tonight letting us know that it's the end of the month.
End of the month, and end of the Olympics.
I wiped a few tears away which were there after watching the amazing montage NBC always puts together and rolls in the last minutes. It's my favorite part of the closing ceremonies.
It's sad of course since it's the last look at the 2 weeks and the official stamp of the end of the Olympics.
"Remember the Titans" music usually accompanies the video for the tear jerker affect. Works every time.
It's a work of art.

I finally brought myself to hit the power button on the tv and switch all the lights off in the room.
I turned to leave, and stopped.
I turned back, looking at the dark room, and nearly saw all the moments flashing through the space. I stood. I stared. And, I cried.
I couldn't help it.
I literally just sat there. Remembering the past two weeks in this room.
I cried about each thing that I remembered.
Snow falling, everyone together.
Speed Skating events with all Mechlings, Aunt Donna, and hot tea.
Everyone's face lighting up, especially Harrison's, as Apolo took the rink, and the race.
The eternal cheering.
The eternal memories.
All now being shed in tears of joy, and sadness.
Joy for those times, those thoughts, those moments had.
Sadness that those moments and those times won't be back.
Happiness that the thoughts will be there always.

Just stories on a screen gave us that, and more.
Just time watching some games together gave us, unforgettable, golden times.
I'm so thankful for the Olympics.
I'm thankful for the even closer togetherness it gave my family.
I'm thankful I was able to experience those moments.
I'm especially and oddly thankful I was given those minutes in the living room so I could stop, live in that moment, remember it, and cherish the passing of this time
in our lives.

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