Something always brings me back to you.

It never takes too long.

...

Set me free. Leave me be.

I don't want to fall another moment into your gravity. - "Gravity" - Sara Bareilles

I used to think that life was made richer by all of our experiences, good or bad. That sadness or disappointment builds character. That every cloud had to have a silver lining.

But you know what? It's not a universal truth. My life was not made better. I wish I could just purge it, much like I would wipe clean a memory card of photos on my camera. But my mind, unlike a camera, still keeps every mental image intact. And while some images may fade as the days, months, and years go by, it takes but a split second to bring it all back to full-colour clarity. As if it happened yesterday.

16 Days "des plus brilliants exploits"

Tonight, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games come to a close in my beautiful hometown, Vancouver. These past 16 days were probably as dramatic and exciting as Vancouver, and indeed, Canada, has ever seen. I feel so blessed and excited that I was there for 11 out of the 16 days, to witness sports and Olympic history to be made. Being there during the Olympics has made me realize a few things about my country:

We are inclusive - Even at the Opening Ceremony, every effort was made to include everyone in the festivities--down to the individual audience members. Our audience kits made sure that we all had a part in one of the of biggest welcome parties we had ever hosted. The cauldron was lit by not one, but five Canadian athletes (Catriona Le May Doan finally got her chance tonight, natch).

We remember our roots - The Four Hosts First Nations were as much a part of the games as the rest of Canada, from playing host at the Opening Ceremony to designing the medals that now circle the necks of some 600 athletes. The Aboriginal Pavilion was probably one of the coolest among the provinces, and of course, the symbol of these games, an Inukshuk, come from the Inuit tradition. I'm so proud that our country took the time to recognize and involve those who were here before us.

We embody the Olympic spirit - It wasn't always about the gold. The nation carried Georgia and Joannie Rochette's respective grief as tragedy struck them during the Games. We applauded Slovenian skier Petra Majdic for her bravery and perseverance as she captured bronze even after breaking five ribs and suffering from pneumothorax. We applauded the opposing teams whether we won or lost. Oh, and we booed the dude who had the air horn during the gold medal men's curling tournament -- he sucked.

We love playing host - While in Vancouver, you could really feel the Olympic spirit permeate throughout the city. Everywhere you looked, people smiled and tried to be helpful even if it was the 18th time in the last hour that someone asked them how to get to the Skytrain.

WE ARE HOCKEY NATION - Nothing mattered more than today's gold. Now and forever.

I heart you, Canada. And way to rock, Vancouver 2010!!!