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Wow, I’ve been trying to get this post out for about three days now. As much as I want to get fresh posts out a few times each week, I find it challenging to take the time to just stop and write. Not sure what that means. Of course, I am blogging every day over at The Oil Change. Anyway, hopefully I can figure out a schedule and get back to posting new stuff a few times each week.

It’s been three days since the Olympics concluded. As a Canadian, it was a rush. I’m not sure people from other countries could understand just how incredible it was to see the depth of national pride expressed in just about every city across Canada. We are a fairly reserved people, and to see so much nationalism was, well, shocking.

Of course, many in the media began to ask if this was a “new Canada.” Would we continue to be so outspoken in our Canadian pride? Every time I heard another personality ask that question, I would shake my head. No, it wont continue. In fact, three days after the Olympics are over, things have already gone back to normal. Again, it’s not the way we are.

The mistake many made was thinking that we are like our American friends. The U.S.A. is very outspoken about their national pride. I was amazed during my road trip at how many homes display an American flag. They don’t pull out the flags for Independence Day or select occasions. Those flags fly proudly every day of the year. It’s just the way Americans are. I think it’s great … for Americans.

But Canadians are not Americans. And our media would do well to stop comparing us to those south of the border. Many years ago, a friend of mine put me on to Michael Adams’ book, Fire And Ice. I highly recommend it. Adams suggests that rather than becoming more like Americans, we are actually becoming more and more distinct from Americans.

That doesn’t mean Canadians are not proud of their Nation. If anything, the Olympics gave us an excuse to display that pride in a very public fashion. But now, as it goes “underground” again, don’t mistake it for a lack of patriotism. It’s just the Canadian way. Challenge us, and you’ll see how quickly it rises to the surface again. You see, it’s there. It’s unshakable. It’s strong. We just don’t beat our chest declaring it.

These Olympics were very special for me. It was the first time my family came together to cheer our nation. Every night, my daughters would sit beside me watching whatever competition was taking place. When she could, Heather would also sit and watch (her concussion symptoms made it difficult for her to take in some of the faster moving events). We’d all scream and shout at the television when a Canadian was close to a medal. We’d cheer them on for the final lap, the last mogul, or the intense pressure in the offensive end of the rink. It was a coming together for our family.

It was a coming together for our nation. On twitter, I cheered along with Canadians from coast to coast. Many thanked others when the games were over for the opportunity to enjoy the Olympics with so many other Canadians. We felt connected. It was a great feeling.

So, now the games are over. Where do we go from here? I believe we simply continue being Canadian. We go about our lives, doing the things we love to do, knowing that when push comes to shove, that national pride will once again rise to the top. If anything, the rest of the world now knows what all of us in this nation already knew: O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

I’d love to hear your comments about the games and what you enjoyed the most about them.