10:30 am - It’s already been quite a day but there’s more to come.  I drive from Arches to the BLM office in Moab.  The streets are still clearing out after the torch came through town.  There is a reception for the torchbearers attended by Director Maniella, BLM officials, and many of our co-workers.  In front of a packed room all of us are presented with awards and photographed with the Director.  The reception ends around 11:30 am and I grab a couple of muffins from the spread on the way out.  I have barely eaten all day I’ve been so excited, nervous, and not hungry.

2:00 p.m. - I leave Moab for Salt Lake City.  The first day of training for the Visitor Services detail during the games begins tomorrow at 7:00 a.m.

February 7^th, 9:30 p.m. - Host City Visitor Center, downtown Salt Lake City, UT - It is my first shift working in the Visitor Center for the games.  Since I arrived in Salt Lake City media coverage of the Torch Relay has been intense.  I have seen so many inspirational stories of torchbearers.  Those who have overcome physical obstacles such as disease and disability, people who have made major impacts on local politics and community organizations, celebrities from the world of entertainment and sports like the Osmonds, Lance Armstrong, John Stockton, and Karl Malone.  Did I actually carry the flame?  It doesn’t seem real. 

Several co-workers and I watch the flame carried past the visitor center to burn overnight at the Salt Lake City and County Building.  The 2002 Winter Olympics are really here and I am a part of it.  As I stand there in my ranger uniform I feel very proud and fortunate.

February 8^th, 9:30 PM - I watch on TV as the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team lights the cauldron at Utah Olympic Stadium.  I remember, as a freshman in high school sitting in class and all I could think about was that night’s Olympic hockey game between the USA and the USSR in Lake Placid, NY.  Would young Team USA be able to upset the mighty Soviets?  Of course they did and when Al Michaels uttered the now famous “Do you believe in miracles…yes!!” I was jumping up and down in the living room, celebrating with family and friends. 

Now I share a special bond with the Miracle on Ice as well as with so many other inspirational people who helped bring about this glorious start to the games.  Tears well up in my eyes, I’ve realized a dream; these last few days have been among the most exciting in my life.  I feel the Olympic spirit; I have lit the fire within.