Elation and an Old Friend.

We were there. We were at The Game where the women won gold. We were at the third consecutive women's hockey gold. We were at the gold that broke Canada's record for gold medals in any winter games.

Before the game even started though, there are two stories worth telling. First, on the way to the game, we were a little stressed because we had left, while early, not as early for an event as we usually do. Then we just missed the bus we planned to take. Another bus came up to the stop; it was labeled only "special". We asked if it was going near Canada Hockey Place and the driver hemmed and hawed and then said he could drop us near the place. Then when we got to Burrard Station, the driver announced that this was the last stop and all were to leave the bus; Burrard Station is NOT near Canada Hockey Place. We went up to ask and before we could say anything, the driver told us we didn't need to leave the bus; he would drop us off. He then drove the bus several blocks out of his way and dropped us off in easy walking distance of Canada Hockey Place. An outstanding example of Vancouver hospitality and helpfulness.

Then, when we got to the venue, we of course waited before we were let in. Kim wandered down to the water to take pictures of the Athlete's Village. (Paul was running into someone he knew vaguely from the YMCA in Toronto.) But Kim called Paul down to the water because there was something truly remarkable there. It was a stone shoreline. As we've mentioned before, the Inukshuk is one of the symbols of these games. The shoreline for its entire length was populated with stone Inukshuks. There were hundreds and likely thousands extending along the shoreline for as far as the eye could see. It was the kind of powerful and affecting that can never be told, but can only be experienced. We found ourselves telling others in line to be sure to look at them, lest a unique chance be lost to them. The Inukshuk is a marker that says something like "people are here." In these games it seems to say more; it seems to say "ALL people are here."

Returning to hockey, we can't help but think that these women dreamt about this their whole lives: to play in a packed NHL arena for the ultimate prize, and in front of a home crowd to boot. Today the dream came true. They played. They played exceptionally, they won and they brought all of us with them. This game was worth the price of admission. It was worth everything.

We hugged and jumped at the two goals. We gasped and cheered at every American shot and Canadian save. In the way that is cliche, but when real so powerful, we lived and died with our team, Canada's team. We gave no thought to the millions watching on television or to anything but the moment and the women before us on the ice. They earned every attention and respect. We say it again - we were there.

Canadians won and were gracious in victory. When the Americans received their medals we all chanted "U.S.A". They gave us a great game, were terrific guests and it wouldn't have been as sweet without them. It was a grace note of courtesy that was possibly the most open generous gesture we have seen in these games. And if faces are any measure, it was appreciated. We couldn't help but think of the five young women with whom we'd had a picture taken just days before. Our team won, but we respect their effort, play and dedication to the game.

To us, this win means more than if the men win gold. It says more about our country. All over the world men believe they can be anything; it is a gift to live in a country where women are constrained by nothing but the scope of their own imaginations. In Canada you can be a star hockey player and, when you win, you can bring your son on the ice just as Hailey Wickenheiser did today. You can be an athlete, you can have a career, you can be a Mom. Your choice! Thank you, Canada.

After the game the good fortune continued. In Quebec House we bumped into our old friend, Claire. It was a chance meeting that continued a great day. She is living in Vancouver and took us to parts of town we hadn't visited before. We had wine, snacks and great conversation.

While at the restaurant we met an American from Detroit, now living in Hawaii. She said that she was at the U.S. v. Swiss game and that certain Canadians were rude and offensive about Americans. To make up for it, we bought their table a round and told them that we hoped this improved their Canadian experience. We think it did; they reciprocated with a round of tequila for us!

Joannie Rochette had a tremendous and emotional bronze today. We watched it live with Claire at the restaurant. It brought a tear to the eye. The Americans were also touched and the whole place stopped to watch the skate. Joannie's story is much told, and rightly so; people don't need it here; but every story that is on television is more intense even on television, when you are in the Olympic city, feeling the Olympic story, palpable and close.

This had been the day we had been working towards. It exceeded all expectations.

With pride and joy.

The Entity

Kim Boara Alexander
Paul McCulloch Alexander