Sunday, February 28, 2010

Congrats to the USA....

Why you say, they didn't win, say???

It's been 8 years since the USA went against Canada for an Olympic medal.

And perhaps 8 years since I cared so deeply.

But today, I cared. Today I sat with people who cared. And on some small level, that means more to me than the victory.

Not that 8 years ago, people wouldn't have cared, but that 8 years ago, I was sitting by myself waiting for the USA to win, and waiting for people to care. And I wasn't sure they did.

But today, I saw Devils fans and Rangers fans unite. As bizarre as that may be. I saw them unite under the common goal of USA. And I was happy for that.

As much as I wanted USA to win - and OOHHHH did I want USA to win - I was happy for the chance to cheer them on. The chance among friends. The chance among us all.

A chance for people to care, no matter how few. And I loved that chance.

The USA has nothing to be ashamed of.

Miller - was brilliant.

Burke's plan - was as close to perfect as you can get.

USA did me proud.

Did each and every one of us Americans proud.

No regets here....

I know, we, as Americans, wish we were able to get the Gold.

But, important enough, the belief that we can someday, and someday soon, get that Gold.

I think that's what today meant to me. It meant that even if we weren't there yet, we would be there someday, and perhaps, someday soon.

I didn't feel that 8 years ago. But I felt that today.

I shed a few tears.

NOT when they lost.

But because I was not the only one cheering.

And that means something. That means more than many may know.

Thank you, Team USA. Thank you for the glorious ride. And congratulations on the Silver medal.

Why, you ask?

Because it is silver, again yes, but it is silver with the promise of gold. And I hope to be there- anywhere- when the USA is so priviledged to win the gold, as I believe they will.

Congrats Canada. But thank you USA! Proud to be an American. And proud of you for the journey you've taken, nad have yet to embark on.....

4 comments:

Luke said...

For the neutral hockey fans out there it was an excellent game to watch. Very entertaining and certainly lived up to the big game hype. USA did themselves proud, Canada deserved the win. Although, my comment to the person sat next to me at the end of the game was "Not Crosby, anyone but Crosby."

Luke said...

Even for the neutral hockey fans out there, it was an excellent game to watch. Very entertaining and certainly lived up to the big game hype. USA did themselves proud, Canada deserved the win. Although, my comment to the person sat next to me at the end of the game was "Not Crosby, anyone but Crosby."

Kerri said...

Too true, Kels! I was heartbroken when we lost because it just seemed too good to be true, tying the game with under 30 seconds left!

But fairly quickly, a serious sense of pride started to grow within me. Seeing Parise and Miller so down was depressing, but I wanted to shake them and say "don't you SEE?"

We were expected to do nothing and we were one goal shy of doing everything.

Canada walked out of there meeting expectations.

USA walked out of there exceeding them.

So proud of Team USA. Great game. And brilliant for hockey.

kels said...

Sorry for late replies.

Luke-

Good to hear it was entertaining from a neutral side as well. I just had so many friends who had no interest in hockey texting me saying, I'm getting into this - how is this the last game? I'm like, no really, there's more than just Olympic hockey. But the point stands - it was a great tournament. And I think MOST of us were saying, anyone but him! Sigh.

Kerri:

"Canada walked out of there meeting expectations.

USA walked out of there exceeding them."

Perfect.