HONORING THE PAST

The Olympic Torch has touched many hearts and lives burning within us all a new excitement and a honest pride in our country and our cities, small and great. I love the stories that are coming out now and the fact that we share can in the experiences of others. It is very important to honor our past, to face up to our mistakes and gather up courage to build a better country for all who live here. I would love to be years younger and go hear some of the music that is filling the air along with fireworks and waving flags.

Everywhere I go I see the volunteers in their special jackets catching the bus and travelling to be a part of the celebration. With glowing hearts, words from out national anthem, have been reflected in the many faces that have cheered on the torch. "The opening ceremony will honor

more than just the sporting events inspired by the ancient Greeks. The sound and the spectacle will also showcase us; Who we are and what we have accomplished as Canadians, first Nations and as British Columbians." - Van. Sun

There is a small group forming, out of the protest groups, meeting in the downtown Vancouver

United Church that has now become a resource center and a home for the homeless; meeting to put the spirit and energy into these celebrations into helping the homeless. They each one have their story. Maybe for some their own home was not a safe place, or maybe they were drawn to a life of freedom on the streets, or maybe it was addictions that crippled their lives and caused them the loss of family and fiances, or maybe it was a mental illness that filled their lives with darkness and depression.

We collected bottles and cans for a down and out couple that come to our door and we wish we could do more; but we smile and welcome them when they come and give what we have. It seems so little but little efforts make the big stories come true.