I love the Olympic Torch Run. The concept of carrying the flame, passing it from person-to-person, across cities, across countries, until it lights the Olympic cauldron, where all these nations come together in unity and peace for these handful of blessed days.

I think it is shameful for those few Italian protestors to protest something so noble as the Olympic. You want to turn me off to your cause? Disrupt and try to hijack one of the world’s greatest symbols. Que Vergogna! Fortunately, it appears that protesters have backed off and were more subdued.

My mother, Helen Stay, was able to be an Olympic Torch Bearer for the 2004 Summer Games in Athens. The Athens Torch Run had the torch run through every past Summer Olympic City, including Los Angeles. She was 80 years old when she did the run. It was such a thrill to watch her have the flame lit on her torch and run the 4 or 5 blocks (yes, she did run the whole way!). Everyone on the street stopped to watch, to cheer her on, and for that one moment, she was the only one in the world carrying the Olympic flame.

The selection committee were looking for people that embodied different aspects of the Olympic Spirit. I sure think my mom was a good choice as she is one of my heros! Her quiet life of service, sacrifice, and perserverance match the Olympic ideas very well.

May each of our flames burn brightly and may we bring light and peace into these troubled times and darkened days.

Post from: EveryJoe

Olympic Torch Run