The dream lives on though the flame fades

The Paralympic flame extinguished (Photo credit: Xinhua)

(BEIJING, September 17) -- "Sacred flame, you are burning in my heart; are you hearing me? I'm singing for you." On Wednesday night, Wang Yimei, a ten-year-old with a hearing impairment, spoke with her hands in the most moving language in the world. The burning flame understood her message and passed away, for it knew that to part is to start all over again.

Eleven days ago, athlete Hou Bin "flew" to the Paralympic cauldron on his own -- pulling himself, in his wheelchair, up by a rope. With every inch that he ascended, his spirit became more sublime and the people who watched became more inspired. His effort led to the lighting of a flame that represented everlasting life.

Tonight, in the center of the stadium, little Yimei, like an angel, spoke to the flame using sign language -- a language understood around the world. Her words were not just for the flame, but for her own spirit and for people everywhere. In the fairy-tale setting, the flame was extinguished in 50 seconds, allowing fans to reflect on an unforgettable eleven days.

More than 100 world records were set at the Water Cube in the past eleven days, and athletes at the "Bird's Nest" competed in front of a packed house each day. Even stormy weather could not dampen the audience's passion. Eleven days ago, athletes from around the world held a banner that said "北京你好!"( Hello, Beijing!) at the Opening Ceremony. At the conclusion of the Paralympics, "谢谢中国!" ( Thank you, China!) expressed their attachment to and appreciation for China.

The dying flame was a symbol of the perfect closing of the Beijing Paralympics, as well as the successful conclusion of the seven years of effort devoted to the Games. From August 8 to September 17, 100 years of fervent expectations of the Chinese people crystallized. Beijing showed its understanding of the Olympic spirit, respect for life and the universe in its own unique way.

After the flame was extinguished, little Yimei, with her dancing partners, continued to speak. She considered the past and expressed longing for the future, just like the bright moon that rose above the center of the stadium.