No, I have not had to take more Xanax.
No, I have not forgotten to tell you what happened last week.
Thanks to all of you who emailed or called to check on me.
I’m FINE, really I’m okay.
I’m gathering pictures to tell the story later this week.
Meanwhile, I am experiencing Olympics withdrawal.
Unless you don’t own a television or live under a rock you know the Olympics are over.
I am a bit of an Olympics junkie. I love to keep the television on pretty much around the clock for the approximately two weeks they are on. Tivo made it a little easier this year.
I’m old enough to remember when Mark Spitz won his seven gold medals. Which I just read was 36 years ago. Seriously? That can’t be right…
When the Olympics were here in Atlanta in 1996 I knew I had to get tickets and go have a not-to-be-missed experience. Just getting the tickets in the mail was exciting!
My friend Luci flew up from Tampa so we could spend the whole day at track and field. We had a blast and it was a glorious day watching Michael Johnson and Dan O’Brien win gold medals.
I can’t ever remember not watching the Olympics on tv and last week was no exception. It’s one of the few times I found myself insisting that my darling children get in front of the television so they could watch history being made.
I’m always a little sad when they’re over. These athletes and their coaches have worked and trained so hard to achieve these lifetime dreams. When they get to step up on that podium and hear our National Anthem, it still chokes me up.
In spite of the politics and negativity, there were so many moments to celebrate and be proud of our country and how the U.S. athletes handled themselves.
Here are three of my favorite “my eyes welled up with pride” moments:
1) Watching Dara Torres, a 41-year old mother, swim and win the silver medal was simply amazing. I loved her answer to the reporter’s question after the race.
When asked what she would some day tell her 2 year-old daughter about her Olympic experience, she said:
“You don’t have to put an age limit on your dreams.”
What a role model for girls (and women) of all ages!
2) Watching the men’s volleyball team keep playing and playing and playing the games of their lives. Knowing that their drive to win was even bigger than the Olympic gold. Their victory was for their coach, Hugh McCutcheon and his family during a horrific tragedy and the team showed incredible devotion and love for their coach.
3) The team effort in the 4 by 100 relay which was pivotal in getting Michael Phelps his record-breaking 8 gold medals. Jason Lezak’s anchor finish was a beautiful history-making achievement that has already been played over and over!
Every time I see that race, I still get chills. As Michael Phelps embraced his teammates, I heard him say:
“I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
If that’s not enough, in every interview he sings the praises of his mother. And he seems to truly love his sisters too. I bet his biggest fan club is comprised of mothers like me!
Okay, I’ll stop now but I’d love to hear what your favorite moments were. What made you proud to be an American? Leave a comment below and let’s continue celebrating the great things about the Olympics for at least one more day. 
P.S. If you’re feeling really competitive, click over to iLashGirls & enter to win one of the cookbooks we’re giving away…woo-hoo!
One year ago..
Yes, I miss the Olympics also. Didn’t watch them 24/7 but I did enjoy watching. Unfortunately I did not attend the Atlanta Olympics. Wish I had took my kids but I have an aversion to crowds that large.
I also remember Mark Spitz very well but then I am older than you.
Sorry I didn’t call or e-mail last week. Glad to hear everything is okay. I do care, I’m just busy with my crew and also suffered with a headache, which I KNOW you can relate to, last week.
This week I have a few other things I NEED to be doing besides sitting here commenting like looking for pictures for the senior salutations page AND writing something for it which are due tomorrow! Trying to catch up on laundry from the camping trip this weekend while feeling the effects of a cold coming on. Sore throat and all.
Hope you and your loyal readers are all having a great productive week.
God bless!!
Sherra,
I did not get to watch as much as I wanted of the Olympics but I did love what little I saw. I found that tiny powerhouse Shawn Johnson (the gymnast) absolutely wise beyond her years. That wonderful grin never seemed to leave her face amidst all the pressure and the hype surrounding her. She was thrilled with silver and even more amazed with gold which was refreshing. Another good role model. And I so agree about Michael Phelps…….mothers everywhere must love him. And my sister (Cousin Dee) had a heart stopping poster of Mark Spitz that was life size for about 15 years on her closet door. I will never forget it. I saw a recent photo of him on the Web recently and he still looked great. Kind of frustrating….why, oh why, do men age so well???
Melinda » Ahh, you could have come over and sat with PhilBillPaul since he’s not a crowd-lover either! Our daughters were five – I never considered taking them but you know that’s the kind of mom I am. Heck, they barely remember Disney World at five so I’m not regretting my decision! LOL Hope you feel better and have a great week!
Sally » I kept my favorites to three but Shawn Johnson was definitely next on my list. Her Midwest connection being from Iowa and getting to the Olympics made her even more fun to watch. Positive and gracious beyond her years is so true!
So were all the “Love is” cartoons on the inside of Dayna’s closet just for Mr. Spitz?
I have to agree with you (I find myself doing that often, should I be concerned?) The Olympics rock! I like almost all events but this year beach volleyball was pretty amazing! Of course you have to mention Michael Phelps and Dara Torres but watching the grace of both USA gymnastics team in light of questionable scoring, numerous cases of tie breakers, etc. They still managed to show great sportsmanship even when they could have questioned and gotten frustrated! I am having withdrawal myself! Whatever shall we watch now?!?!
Tammy » Only be concerned if you are taking loads of Xanax or getting migraines. Otherwise I think you’re fine. America’s Got Talent (or whatever it is called) doesn’t seem to measure up to the quality of talent of the Olympics.!
Hi! Short-time reader, first-time poster…. I hope you were able to watch Oprah’s season premiere today so that you could see all the Olympians again!! They only get about 2 seconds each, but she has highlights and a little bit of background stories. I am a COMPLETE Olympicoholic ever since seeing a friend win a gold medal in swimming in LA in 84. The summer games really are an incredible 15 days and I spent every spare second watching! Thank you Tivo! Only a year and half until the winter games!!
Karen
Karen » Thanks for reminding me – I had seen the previews and then forgot. Yeah for Tivo so I can watch it tomorrow!!