This winter has been a great one for my husband Jeff and I. Not only will we be half-way through our pregnancy before it is over (in 2 weeks we will be at 20 weeks!) , but one of our favorite athletic events is occurring this winter. That would be the Winter Olympic Games.
Overall we are winter games fans over the summer (despite being huge fans of both gymnastics and the marathon). This morning we were up at 7am to watch the biathlon. We are looking forward to the luge and even curling in addition to our favorite hockey! I think I like all of the unusual sports at the winter games. I think my husband likes that so many of the sports are individual sports instead of team sports.
While watching the opening ceremonies last night, I was made more aware of my Italian roots (being 1/4 Italian, those roots are significant). The flames of passion reminded me not only of the passionate drive of the Olympic athletes but also of the passion with which Italians live life. (You ever wonder what it was behind all the hand gestures, the fast driving and the fantastic arguments--that's passion). I fought tears as I watched and listened to Luciano Pavorotti. Italians--people I am related to--gave the world opera.
While the games are always a moving experience for me, showing the drive and determination of the athletes and knowing that for so many getting there is the experience, this year, as I await the birth of my first child, I am reminded of my roots and which are so strong as the Italian people play host to the world and the games. Not only can I someday tell my son or daughter about the athletes that competed in these games, but how his or her people helped to show the rest of the world that we can all put aside our differences and live life in peace.
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