I saw the Olympic torch yesterday!

The experience was amazing.

My place is one half mile south of Canada.  Just north of my town is a cute little town in British Columbia.

Yesterday I went into town for a quick errand and noticed crowds of people on the street downtown. I knew the torch was in SW BC yesterday, but was too busy working to notice where.  I suddenly got a clue and pulled into a parking lot.

With me was Peaches, my black pug wearing a cute fluffy white sweater with snowflakes on it.

We wait for around 10 minutes and suddenly an elderly fellow carrying the flaming torch walked into view.  (I was right on the curb!)   He looked to be around 80 and the people in the crowd told me he was a civic leader and benefactor who had done some very important things for the town.  That big man had a round nearly-bald head and every bit of it glowed like a light bulb.  My face almost felt warm with the emotions he was beaming out to everyone: his joy, honor, gratitude, luck, and shear pleasure bathed everyone on the street.

I just realized now why he was looking down at the street yesterday instead of around at the crowd - this big-hearted man is bashful. Love that!

When he came near to where we were standing, I grabbed Peaches and held her high up in the air and waggled her cute little body back and forth yelling in a high pitched voice “Deeeebeebebedeeeeedibideeee. Deeebeideeidbeeeedidibedeee” (I say this to Peaches to let her know she is not in trouble and if she comes to me right this minute there will be massage and perhaps a treat.  Too many coyote around here.)  I assume Peaches was wearing one of her “my gawd, I hope she stops this soon” faces.  Everyone around us fell out laughing.   They were so happy they had been dying for an excuse to laugh at anything.

When the torch passed, I still couldn’t take my eyes off it and the man. Above the torch, the sky and buildings on the other side of the top of the flame were blurry and strange. I know that heat distorts light waves but still......   It was pure magic.

Then I did my errand.  After I got back into the car, I decided that was so fun, I drove 10 minutes to the next little town and watched again.

This runner was a woman around 35 years old. She was jogging as slowly as she could and her face was radiant, too.  She didn’t beam quite as brightly as the town benefactor (he’s clearly had more practice) but she was overflowing with fun, joy, gratitude for her huge luck, and just plain happiness.   I would not be surprised if I learned her eyes were wet then.

Peaches and I did our Deeebeidee routine again and this time even the kids were doubling over laughing.

I’m starting to understand why people like sports so much.  I’m still happy and it’s a whole new day.

Laura Vestanen, Notary Public

Professional Notary

(604) 484-3681 BC number rings in Point Roberts, WA – only 25km (16 miles) south of Vancouver

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