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Olympic Memories

Twenty years ago this week, I - along with my family - was sitting in my house watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.  I have always loved watching the Olympics, but this time was different.  This time, the Games were not on some far-away continent.  These Games were in my own hometown!  In fact, just the night before, I had been in Olympic Stadium - now Turner Field - watching the dress rehearsal for what I was watching on tv.  Now, twenty years later, some of my most vivid memories remain:

The seemingly always-crowded highways of Atlanta were practically desolate, providing a seldom-seen sight.

Meeting the Frenchman who wondered if I had ever heard of the book about the Civil War written by an Atlanta woman named Margaret Mitchell.

The dress rehearsal crowd cheering wildly during the parade of nations for the entry of the flag from (the nation of) Georgia.

Attending the women's gymnastics podium trials, watching the Magnificent 7 prepare for their gold medal-winning run.

Sitting in the rain to watch the U.S. Men's soccer team take on Tunisia.

Searching the bricks at Centennial Olympic Park, looking for my relatives' names.

Striking up conversations on public transit with people from all over the world.

Building a collection - that I still have - of Olympic-themed pins.

Meeting new people, some of whom remain some of my best friends.

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