The theme of the Opening Ceremonies focused on breaking down barriers in life as well as the fact that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The snowflake is fragile, for example, until it becomes formidable as one of many snowflakes or snow.

We enjoyed seeing the athletes enter the center of the stadium from a ramp which rose out of the floor from below. Very cool. After watching only CNN, BBC and Russion news since we arrived, we have heard multiple viewpoints on the Russian/Ukraine situation. As a result, we were particularly interested in witnessing the reaction to the Ukaine athletes at the Opening Ceremonies. To everyone's surprise, only a single Ukraine flagbearer marched in to the roaring applause of the primarily Russian audience. The remaining Ukraine athletes walked from a back entrance directly to their seats. A statement was made. We had not seen this happen in our past attendance at Torino (2006) and Vancouver (2010).

We were thrilled to see the USA in their Ralph Lauren sweaters but did we actually see Taylor from our perch? It was like playing "Where's Waldo?"  

I always cry at the playing of the International Paralympic Committee music. The entire experience is moving beyond belief on so many levels, and of course for us on a very personal level as well. Awe inspiring individuals. Let the Games begin!