Dear DMS

You may be wondering who DMS is... unless you are DMS who is reading this! Yes, DMS is a just person like you and I. However... this person deserves to be recognized in an honourable way. I went to Bible School in Sweden with this man, but it wasn't until after (on facebook actually) that our friendship flourished. I also believe that he is the only person in Saskatchewan who reads my blog and is Manuel's Life Lessons' #1 Fan from that particular province (that's a pretty special title)! You may have noticed that I've been wearing an H.B.C. Canada Olympic toque lately. The one I'm wearing in my main title picture is different than the one I've been sportin' since the Olympics though... and I'll tell you why. That one was my sister's, but now I have one of my own thanks to DMS! Here's how it happened:

A group of us Holsbyites (plus my buddy Josh) met up in the ever intense down town Vancouver area and perused the streets; walking among the exciting Olympic festivities. As we were walking, somebody in our group mentioned that they felt left out because every person in the streets was rightfully wearing Olympic gear! We all agreed. All of a sudden DMS decided to tell everyone that he did actually have an Olympic toque (yes, toque... not beanie). He didn't want to wear it, so I happily asked if I could. It didn't leave my head the rest of the night. I literally adopted it and wore it as if it were my own (unknowingly that is).

Side note: Our fantastic reunion came to an end as we finished building our personal Inukshuks down by the waterfront by Yale town (there were thousands, it was quite the sight). This was across from the Olympic village which is actually more like a resort/hotel. When I think of a village, I think of straw roofed huts. So seeing this Vancouver Olympic "village" just ruined my vision of what I always thought it was like... Meh.

Anyways, all of us jumped onto the sky train to head home. We arrived at a certain stop and finally parted in our separate ways. Before I knew it, I was already walking down the stairs of the station trying to find a bus to get back to my Uncle's, then BOOM, it hit me... I was still wearing DMS' toque! I quickly ran back up the stairs, but it was too late. I texted him for him to come back and retrieve it (I would've called, but long distance calling was a factor); he simply replied, "It's okay, don't worry about it." I sincerely said, "You sure man?!? I can't accept this!" He responded with, "I'm sure. Consider it a gift." I felt baaaad. What a nice guy though! I totally just walked away with his precious, once-in-a-life-time, Olympic souvenir!! I was determined to ship an Olympic toque back to him when I got home. When I arrived back in Winnipeg, I continued to barter for a fair concluding deal. We settled on a Blog Post Dedication (not really equivalent in value, but it'll work. It's more valuable emotionally maybe). That is, I would honour him on Manuel's Life Lessons by recognizing him with a post solely devoted to him alone (I guess this really isn't what I agreed to... but it is a heart felt dedication/recognition/honouring!).

So without further adieu, raise your glasses with me... DMS, you are a man of infinite wisdom. I am deeply grateful that you graciously lent me and ultimately gave up your toque to me. I appreciate your generosity, charitableness, and selfless altruism. May you be blessed for this act of kindness. I can truly say that your toque has been of tremendous use to me, and I have worn it to the best of my ability. It has definitely been a significant piece in my Olympic experience, and therefore I say, thank-you... To you, my friend... Cheers.

DMS is the one peering over (above)

p.s. My Olympic Coverage trailer should be posted within the next two days!!! I've finally found time to finish it.