While watching Alexandre Bilodeau win his gold medal tonight in men's moguls and how his family and all Canadians showed so much emotion after his winning run, I began to think of Canadians and of how open they are with their emotions.
Canadians express their emotions in so many ways. Through tears, through conversation, through smiles and the raising of hands in the air, through hugs and words and gifts and sometimes, heads hung low.
Certain sights in Canada bring great emotions to my heart, feelings of pride and awe and amazement. Sometimes it's just a sunset, sometimes the way the water is sparkling across the water, sometimes the way gulls are gliding on an updraft, or sometimes pictures my sons send me of themselves and their friends snowboarding high on top of Big White in British Columbia.
We live in a beautiful country. A country that abounds with wilderness and places still as they were thousands of years ago. Cities of great culture and breath-taking architecture. People who are open, friendly and caring.
Shane Koyczan, a young Canadian poet who read his poem 'We Are More' at the opening of the olympics, defined Canada so well with his words. Never have I heard someone say so much about what Canada is in such a beautiful and artistic way as Shane did.
Thank you, Shane. You've put into words what the rest of us only could know in our hearts, but didn't have a way to express.
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Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Your Choice Realty , Mississauga, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com |
Jo~
"...knowing that we are growing past what we used to be....'" works for baja Canada, too =)
It was an awesome moment seeing him hug his brother JO and I loved the poem and all other parts of the opening ceremonies which was beautiful:)
Sincerely,
grace
This is an beautiful poem.. and it does express what so many have in their hearts and their minds. I am really enjoying the olympics.
Jo
Well put and the poem was great. Why does it take an event that is held every 4 years for most to show or express their appreciation?
Ty
Joe, I love the poem....beautiful! Well said by the poem and you!
Nice poem...I have enjoyed watching the olympics so far...just wish they would stop the seal hunt!!!!!!!!!!
Jo,
Thanks for posting this. Canadians are going to do very well at these Olympics. The poem puts things into perspective.
Brian
Jo
Canadians are doing very well; I read your other post about becoming a Canadian. For the record I am really working on my French as well. I am already a Rush Fan, like Moosehead beer, and a hockey fan. Almost there.
Jo-Anne, everyone I know is watching the Olympics and falling totally in love with Vancouver! It's looking like an amazing city. Bet you get lots of relocating Olympic fans!
AHH I'm so glad you have this video Jo-anne - I love the poem! I'd love to re-blog it :-)
Jo, I'm here via Cathy Clulow...I listened to the poem...pretty cool, I especially liked: ..."we are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait..."
Congrats on the gold!
Jo-Anne, I missed this event but I didn't miss your wonderful and eloquent tribute to your country and people!
Jo, That is incredible. This is the first night I have not watched it to come and catch up on AR but I've been glued to watching the Olympics! Great video and I'm so glad I caught this before going to turn on the TV!
Brian,
Canada is doing fairly good so far...I hope they do well in hockey!
Jo
Tom,
That's great! We'd love to lay claim to you as a Canadian citizen.
Jo
Patricia,
I think it was chosen as one of the top cities in the world for quality of life. It's certainly a beautiful setting....
Jo
Liz,
Thanks kindly for reblogging it!
Jo
Marg,
Keep me posted....I'd love to attend! Who else will be there?
Jo
NIck,
Thanks kindly!
Jo
Thanks greatly, Silvia.
Jo
Carole,
It's the kind of poem that lasts....forever.
Jo
Jo:
I had saved your blog and sent it to some ex-Canadians in Australia. They in turn sent and re-sent to their friends. What a way to bring out patriotism and home sickness.
Thanks again
Ty
hi Ty,
Thanks so much for passing it along! I think it would cause a lot of homesickness to those who live out of the country.
Jo