I remember Vancouver's bid to host the 2010 Olympics, and have to admit I wasn't exactly on the bandwagon.
I like the Olympics as much as the next person but frankly thought that Vancouver, Whistler and yes, even Squamish were already world-class destinations.
The bill to host the Olympics seemed enormous and with all the cutbacks to schools and our health care system, it was hard to think that having the Games in our backyard was a priority.
How times do change. OK, it is still hard to swallow the numbers invested into the Games, but with the start of the Olympics only days away, I am eager to see Canada, British Columbia and Squamish show their pride and celebrate this once in a lifetime show.
This community has done an amazing job of bringing the excitement to Squamish and it gives me a patriotic little thrill to see all the cars driving around town decked out with Canadian flags.
We know that having children around during Christmas makes the holidays magical and in our home - the story remains the same with kids and Olympic magic.
For the past two years our schools have been on the Games bandwagon. Bringing in Olympians and Para-Olympians to visit the children and watching them clamour to get autographs just like a rock star.
Giving them the opportunity to try their hand at cross country skiing and taking a turn at the biathlon in the Callaghan, and the culmination of watching a world cup event in our backyard was epic.
I have learned and heard more about the biathlon and biathletes than I ever thought I would know.
The Olympics is pulling us along into its vortex. My teenage son took a pass on the usually coveted school dance to take part in the Olympic Flame ceremonies at Brennan Park. Will wonders ever cease?
My favourite Olympic moment to date was playing hooky with my 11-year-old son and following the torch around Squamish on our bikes.
We left our house at 7:30 a.m. all decked out with flags, red and white gear and cowbells, not knowing what the day would hold. Little did I know that this day would make the list as one of the greatest and most memorable of my life.
There was a lump in my throat as Rob Drygas went up the pole at the Logger Sports grounds and dedicated his climb to the proud history of logging in Squamish. It was the perfect start to a most amazing day.
The organizers of the relay were generous with letting us ride beside each torchbearer and I was moved and proud to be a part of their journey.
We saw lone individuals come from near and far to carry the torch and were thrilled that we could lend our voice and cowbells when the crowds were slim.
Highlights included a local woman happily beginning her leg of the relay and her large group of friends jog along beside, proudly singing a beautiful rendition of our national anthem.
There were construction workers pausing their day's work on Cleveland Avenue to cheer on a torchbearer downtown, their legs dangling from the half-finished building.
A father had the once-in-a-life opportunity of passing the flame to his son.
So many stories to cherish.
I hope you enjoy the Olympics and create wonderful stories to share.
