A Place in History - Vancouver 2010 Olympics: The Olympic Torch Relay

Today started like any other day - up at 6:30, feed the animals, make coffee, watch the news, then hit the shower. Just another Monday morning. Wake my son for school, start breakfast, make lunches - nothing special.

Shortly after waking up my son, I was in the bedroom getting dressed when I heard loud music. At first, I thought it was coming from my son's room until I caught a glimpse of flashing red and blue lights outside the bedroom window.

This definitely got my attention, because, as everyone knows, red and blue flashing lights are for police vehicles, but the accompanying music didn't fit - shouldn't there have been sirens instead?

We rushed to the window to see what was going on, and were surprised to see decorated fire trucks slowly driving down Lougheed Highway, music blaring, following a police escort. Then it hit me! This must be the Olympic Torch Relay!

Oh, my God! I was witnessing history, right outside my bedroom window! I immediately hollered to my son to get his butt in the bedroom. (I honestly think that is the quickest he has ever gotten out of bed!)

We opened the windows and cheered the occupants of the fire trucks - men and women dressed in red were standing on the back waving huge Canadian flags. It was very exciting!

Thinking that was it, we continued with our normal routine, feeling slightly energized that we had been a small part of history. After all, it isn't every day one gets to see an Olympic parade outside their house.

We had, however, 'thought' too soon! About seven minutes later, we saw another police car with flashing lights drive by. Immediately, we rushed to the windows and threw them open. We could hear people cheering and horns honking up and down the highway.

I again hollered for my son to beat feet to the bedroom, as I was positive there was more to see. Sure enough, we weren't disappointed!

There was an Olympic runner, dressed in white, jogging down the highway, the Olympic Torch held aloft for all of Maple Ridge to see!

What a thrill that was! For one brief, shining moment, Enelle Lamb, ordinary citizen, witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event, and my heart swelled with pride. Pride in our city, our country and our great athletes. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be Canadian, but in that moment, I wanted to shout if from the rooftops!

We watched the procession until all we could see were the flashing lights in the distance, as the Torch Bearer carried our hopes and dreams of Olympic Gold medals through the streets of the city.

Then, with lighter hearts, and a spring in our step, we returned to our daily chores, content in the knowledge that we were a part of Olympic history. My son experienced the thrill of seeing the Olympic Torch, and the excitement of being one of the few students in his school to have 'bragging rights' to the event!

I know my day was brighter for having seen the Torch. I felt connected to our athletes, and united with the rest of Canada as we wish them the best. Go Canada, Go!

The Olympic Torch Relay is a 106–day journey from Greece to Victoria, British Columbia. The flame will make a 45 000 kilometer trip across Canada before arriving in Vancouver. With stops in each province and territory, the Olympic Torch Relay is expected to reach up to 90% of the Canadian population.

The last days of the Olympic Torch Relay are chock full of entertainers, athletes and other celebrities slated to be torchbearers.

The list includes California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who will carry the torch on Friday morning through Stanley Park.

Canadian astronaut Julie Payette will carry it in North Vancouver on Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon, singer/songwriter Jann Arden will run at B.C. Children's Hospital, with former Vancouver Canuck Richard Brodeur, and Burnaby singer Michael Bublé also carrying the torch in Vancouver.

Olympic track star Sebastian Coe, who is the chair of the London 2012 Organizing Committee will run on the final day, along with Schwarzenegger and parents of two famous Canadians on Friday morning.

Rolly Fox, Terry Fox's father, will have the torch near English Bay around 8 a.m. Wayne Gretzky's dad Walter gets his chance 20 minutes later.

Three popular former Vancouver athletes will hold the torch later on Friday. Former Canuck Stan Smyl, Bob Lenarduzzi of the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Luis Passaglia of the BC Lions will all be running in Vancouver over the noon hour.

Rather than list every single town the torch has or will travel through, I decided to say instead, that I believe this historic run has and will bring Canada together as a nation. I can honestly say I was proud to see history being made.