Dear Gossips,
Thank you for all your messages of support and encouragement, for sharing your own family stories, for relating to the Canadian experience from wherever you are around the world, for your tweets, and for your heart-warming words in response to my post on Friday about carrying the Olympic Torch.
I ran through Whistler Village, surrounded by thousands of people, number 179 out of 182, in the final group of the day. I received the flame from former Olympic skier John Smart, I passed the flame to current Olympian and Whistler resident Julia Murray. Julia is a freestyle skier, is currently ranked 4th in the World Cup ski cross standings, and just had her knee scoped last Tuesday after suffering an injury a little over a week before. And she STILL expects to compete in her event on February 23rd. What else is there to say? She is true.
Me, I ran as a representative of the two people for whom it meant the most. Dad was at my side the entire way. And the entire way he held up his sign. He held it up in the hours leading up to my run, and he held it up for hours after my run. Like at dinner, the Torch relay long concluded, Dad would just pull out his sign and randomly throw it above his head. There’s that little Chinese man again, standing there for no reason with his sign. To me he looked like a warrior, fierce and proud, arms up in victory, a silent proclamation that I can still hear: She is Mine.
The Torch approaches. It will arrive in Vancouver on Friday. Along the way, if you are able, if you have the time, try to see it pass through your community. I promise you will be moved by the sense of community and by the spirit of the volunteers, the families, by those who become your neighbours by virtue of shared inspiration.
Much love and appreciation to the wonderful people at Coca-Cola for connecting Canadians across the country and to the volunteers who are making the Torch Relay such a transformative event. Much love to those of you around the world for watching us as we near our Olympic moment. We can`t wait to welcome you on February 12th.
Now however we`re back to gossip.
It`s Monday, am online all day, check back often.
Yours in gossip,
Lainey
PS Bamjamz Giveaway! Bamjamz is the new all Canadian line of lounge and sleep wear made from bamboo, organic cotton and spandex. The collection is sold exclusively at Holt Renfrew. To view the “Holts” launch collection, visit www.bamjamz.com. I sleep in them. Then I bought a pair for Fiona, and she doesn’t want to sleep in anything else. And Fiona is a picky bitch. We’re giving away a bamjamz Sweet Dreamz Tank and the bamjamz Signature Long Pant.
If you’re interested send an email to inquiries@laineygossip.com with Bamjamz as the title before EOD Friday, February 12,2010. Standard terms apply. One winner will be picked. Approximate value of the combination is $180.00. Good luck!
