The "Queens" of the 1976 Olympics in Montreal

Although Queen Elizabeth ll, as head of state of Canada, opened the games, and Nadia Comaneci was the queen of the Athletes, there was another queenly looking figure who was everywhere something exciting was happening in Montreal that summer. Dressed in her navy blue olympic blazer was "Queen Marion", my royal mom!

Yes, Marion Wimberg made it to Montreal and I was thrilled. Everyone who met her was thrilled to meet her as well. People from all over the world were attracted to her and she simply beamed with joy and reflected their admiration! We had to turn down invitations to special formal receptions and informal parties because we couldn't fit them all into our schedule. She would be ushered into prime seating locations whether we were at a venue or at a delegation banquet. Every Olympic day got more exciting then the previous day. She was especially a hit with the Russians. I still wonder whether it was her graciousness or because she had so many pins to trade. Probably a bit of both!

Montreal Olympics

The area of Montreal that was once a "walled city" is now known as Old Montreal. I headed for Place Jacques-Cartier in the old historic city with so much to see, to learn and to do. First just strolled through the narrow streets where the city was founded in 1642. With remarkable architecture in the background and street performers in the foreground, my focus switched from the olympics to history for the first few days.

Finding my mom a reasonable place was one of my first goals because I knew if I found something she would definitely fly north and therefore I could give her an assist in helping fulfill another one of those many dreams she had, and she did have many. (Her excitement and sense of awe about people and the world her was continuous.) I was in a long line at the Olympic Center in front of an owner of a local home who mentioned that he thought his basement apartment would not be fancy enough for guests but it was well located. That good old olympic spirit must have been in line as well! When he knew that I was interested even though it was not classy, he told me more about it hoping that it would not go to waste. So by now, you know that my mom and I (and a few others), had a good home base during the exciting Montreal Olympic Games!

Congratulations Rio de Janeiro

Oley, Oleyyyy to my former home town, Rio de Janeiro and to the entire continent of South America!!! Your 1st olympics! I am thrilled for ALL of you!