Vancouver an enriching experience

Just as I am boarding a flight to leave Vancouver, I can say I deeply miss my family and my soon-to-be wife. I have been up in Whistler for the better part of two months, announcing cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Paralympic alpine.

When the IPC torch went black -- and the flag had been handed over to Sochi in front of hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials and thousands of fans -- I quickly felt empty, like I lost a best friend. Tears filled my eyes -- yes, I confess to wearing my heart on my sleeve. I felt the incredible energy drip, drop by drop, out of me. I am, of course exhausted, but I do live an examined life.

What I saw at the Olympics and Paralympics covered a wide gamut of emotions. We cheered, cried; we felt hope, awe, amazement, pride; and we were inspired. We who worked at the Games made new and fast friends working in the frenzied environment that we were working in -- I suspect they'll be bonds that last for the rest of our lives. Working at the Games has been a lifetime blessing for me; it has broadened my outlook, and it has instructed me to believe anything is possible. It always imbues me with hope.

So when the evening ended, it sunk in that this was really done. Its magical journey had finally come to an end. The dream of big thinkers, who 15 years ago, placed Vancouver's name in nomination for the bid.

In my view, these Games changed Canada (and I'm a proud American). The unity, the flags, the patriotism and the pride was palpable. These organizers (VANOC) and volunteers from sea to sea had hit a grand slam, and you could feel it. There were plenty of Americans volunteering their time too.

The Paralympics Games were an unparalleled success with sell-out crowds and extraordinary performances every day.

Take cross-country skier Brian McKeever. He made both the Olympic and Paralympics ski teams -- the latter along with his guide and brother Robin. They won three gold medals.

Consider Canada's Lauren Woolstencroft -- known called the "snow queen" -- as she won five golden medals in Alpine skiing.

Think of the U.S. sledge hockey team, who were on my flight home. The list of greatness goes on and on.

We who are stakeholders in this movement can share in this special pride. When the IPC flag was handed over to Sochi, I tried to see it as not just the end but also the opportunity for another beginning.

Most are calling this the best Paralympic Winter Games ever, including the IPC President Sir Philip Craven who called these events "truly magical" and "the best ever."

These Games were covered by more media than ever before and experienced more global television and internet coverage

These Games surpassed even the wildest set of expectations; they were embraced.

I am so glad to have worked both the Olympics and the Paralympics.

We all came away much richer for it.