I arrived at the top of the escalator with my heavy bags in tow, in the Karuizawa, Japan, train station. It was the last stop on our whirlwind month-long tour that finished up in this small summer resort town. At the top of that escalator, I could see our Japanese friend Nakatsu, smiling and waving with excitement just outside the ticket gate.
We met Nakatsu four years ago when we first came to Japan for the same competition. We had one of the most amazing, memorable trips, but never thought we would have the opportunity to visit again, especially to see Nakatsu … until we won the Olympics and the event invited us back.
Although we debated about adding this to our already busy December, we decided to take the opportunity to go and immediately contacted Nakatsu asking if we could stay at his hotel again. He is the manager of a cute place that specializes in hosting weddings in Karuizawa.
Nakatsu became a special friend to us four years ago, so when we returned last week, appearing at the top of that escalator, we were as thrilled to see him as he was to see us.
We stayed a week and grinded through the event, squeaking out an extra-end win in the championship game. Then Nakatsu, who also calls himself Bryan Adams for his Japanese karaoke rendition of Summer of ’69, returned us to the train station to begin our long journey back to Canadian soil.
Again we said goodbye to our Japanese friend, not knowing if we will see him again. So while I travel the long hours back after five destinations and a month on the road, and with Christmas and family time only a few days away, I am feeling grateful for so many opportunities I’ve had in my curling career and in my life. We’ve had opportunities I never thought possible and trips such as Japan that I thought would be a once-in-a-lifetime event, not twice.
I don’t just see these as opportunities for myself and my team. I see them as chances to learn about the world and expand my cultural knowledge, and use them to teach my daughter cool things and show her the importance of taking advantage of opportunities.
But I also feel grateful for my family and friends around me, the people who make taking advantage of what comes our way possible.
I hope you also find a moment to feel grateful this holiday season. And I wish for you many wonderful opportunities to take advantage of in the New Year.
From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!
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