Keith and I are planning to watch the Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremonies tonight. I've been waiting all summer for it! They've said it's the most expensive and amazing presentation ever. With the 12 hour time difference they're showing the taped version tonight. But... I've sneaked a few pics from MSNBC.com. Wow, tonight's going to be great.
(These two pictures were taken from MSNBC.com)
In fact, over this week, I've been watching occasional Today show tidbits in the morning while I getting ready for work. Several times I just have to sit down, toothbrush in mouth, and watch. They show The Forbidden City, and The Summer Palace, and Tienanmen Square. Keith, Dad, and I all were in Beijing (2005) with Samford's A Capella Choir (Dad's director).
Which leads to... Dad and Mom were in China in 1989 (with a singing group) when the Tienanmen Massacre happened. They were a day from traveling into Beijing. Thank goodness they didn't - however, they were kept quarantine until it was safe to send them home. They didn't tell me until we were older but officials had called my grandparents for dental records... just in case they needed some sort of identification... talk about a nightmare. And they told my mom they could try to get (just) her on a flight but she said she wouldn't go unless it was with dad. That story still gives me chills. I was 6 or 7 and had no idea of what was going on. I just thought my parents had done a really good job performing in China (which was the norm - they're professional musicians/singers) when we picked them up from the airport - all the news cameras... crazy.
all in all... My Dad and I stood in Tienanmen Square where he and my mom would've been standing had the massacre not taken place.
I'm just in awe at the Chinese people. With all their struggles they still hold such pride and love for their culture. Being there made me really appreciate the Chinese heritage and that is why I can't wait to watch these ceremonies tonight. Wow... a long story out of nowhere. I was just going to say we're gonna watch 'em tonight after we go to Costco... Yay! Ok, that'll do :o)
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