“I’ll bet you are.” She mumbles under her breath but because we’re packed together like sardines, it’s hard to miss.
Luke pushes Wyatt out of his way and moves up next to me. “You ready for this?”
I can’t help the smile that splits across my face. “You know I am.”
Luke laughs and then his attention is pulled away from me by one of his teammates asking him a question.
The mass of athletes starts to move toward the entrance of the stadium. There’s around 225 American athletes competing this year, but not everyone is here yet. I’d say there’s still close to 200 of us, and we move together as we wait for our country’s introduction.
After all the hard work, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the hours of practice, I’m finally here. Competing at the highest level in the sport that changed my life. Hockey is in my veins. It’s a part of my soul and I don’t know how I’d live without it.
I turn my head to find Liv bouncing on the toes of her feet, her excitement impossible to hide.
“The United States of America!” The announcer's voice booms and we all start clapping and cheering along with the fans in the stands.
With Liv on one side and Luke on my other, we slowly make our way into the stadium. Lights flash and smoke bellows out from somewhere behind us. There’s music playing, but it all fades away as the enormity of what’s happening hits me.
I want to remember this moment forever.
Hoots and hollers are happening all around us, and it’s the most fun I think I’ve ever had. We’re all waving to the people in their seats. It’s nearly impossible to see anyone’s face but I continue to wave my arms at anyone who may be watching.
I wish my grandparents were here to see this. I’m sure their faces would be lit up in wonderment like ours because this whole experience is unforgettable.
The dome of the stadium is open tonight, showing off the darkness of night. Fireworks and pyrotechnics start firing off, lighting up the sky above us.
A giggle escapes my mouth and Liv hooks her arm with mine.
“This is amazing!” she screams, as we continue to follow our fellow athletes through the stadium.
It seems like such an underwhelming way to describe this experience. Amazing. Astonishing. Astounding. Incredible. None of those words do this moment justice.
Liv reaches her phone out in front of us for a selfie, and before she can click the button to capture it, Luke and Brendan jump behind us for a photo bomb.
We’re all laughing and enjoying the moment unabashedly. Liv shows me the picture and it’s perfect. The four of us look like we’re having the time of our lives. Because we are.
My teammates around me are all taking videos and as much as I want to be in the moment, I decide to take my own phone out to take a video for my brother.
Connor has been to the Olympics himself, but he wasn’t there in time for the Opening Ceremony. Honestly, he got shafted this year when he wasn’t picked for the team. He’s one of the best defensemen in the league, but has been battling some injuries lately. I wish he was here with me. We texted a bit earlier and he said he’d be here in a few days. I’m both excited and anxious for his arrival.
The thought of my brother reminds me of the man nextto me and I steal a glance at him. His eyes taking in everything, lit up in pure joy.
The seats of the stadium begin to illuminate and I look away from Luke to see the image of an American flag appearing within the lights. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” I’m not sure who I’m asking but Luke must hear me because he’s who responds.
“Yeah, it is.”
I turn to look at him, expecting him to be taking in the scene around us. But he’s not looking at the mesmerizing light show.
He’s looking at me.
I’m not sure anything will ever compare to this experience. At thirty-two you’d think I’d have some life-changing memories to look back on, and maybe before tonight that was the case.
But being at the Opening Ceremony of my first ever Olympics blows any core memory I’ve had out of the water. It’s not just the performances or the camaraderie amongst the world’s best athletes that I’ll remember. It’s Charlie.
Being here with her, experiencing this with her by my side, I’m feeling something I can’t quite put a name to.
Yes, this would have been an unforgettable experience even without her next to me. But to see the way her eyes light up and the look of pure joy on her face…it does something to me.
