I've always entered contests, sweepstakes, lotteries, etc., hoping to win a sports car, exotic vacation or the dream home (sigh) ... but alas, to no avail.

However, for the Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, something special caught my eye: a nationwide search for individuals who serve as a source of inspiration to carry the Olympic torch. Reminiscent of the fairy-tale search for the wearer of the glass slipper, the public was invited to write an essay nominating someone who best exemplified the Olympic spirit.

I made a mental note of this info and later sat down and wrote about the man I am proud to call Dad.

Everyone knows my dad as Guy. He likes it that way, as he is an extremely modest man. If asked, he would probably describe himself as just some guy -- a working stiff.

However, to those whose lives he has touched, they would agree that Guy Smith is a rare treasure indeed.

My earliest memories are filled with lots of kids: happy and noisy, having a muddy tug-of-war battle, singing campfire songs and toasting marshmallows in a field in Ligonier, and my father trying to figure out how many mouths to feed and hot dogs to buy.

He has always been a leader in the social development of youth with the Boys and Girls Brigade -- an international organization very similar to the scouting movement but uniquely different with its award-winning drum and bugle corps.

Through Guy's 35-plus years of effort, hundreds of kids learned discipline and gained self-esteem through the brigade's program of good citizenship, military marching, Bible stories, sports and woodsmanship. Most people would be surprised at the number of big brothers I have. Many of these kids (now adults) hail from Pittsburgh's East End and formed enduring friendships with my dad. We all consider them a part of our extended family.

As Guy's own family grew to four children, he continued to be an active community volunteer, all while working a full-time job at Sears (recently retired after 40 years). Somehow he found time to coach midget league football, as well as help with the high school marching band.

Guy is a quietly spiritual man, one of deep faith best illustrated by his commitment to the United Methodist Church, where he actively participated on a number of committees and fundraisers. Music has always been a big part of his life, from his early years marching with the Pittsburgh Rockets to the present.

Everyone knows which house in Swissvale is Guy's: It is the one with all the flags. His house has always been this way, even long before the tragic events of 9/11. He is the original "Mr. Flag Day," continuously leading efforts to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country.

Dad battled cancer and won, only to see his wife of 40 years, Caroline, then become ill with liver failure. They never complained. My mom fought bravely but sadly passed away in June 2002.

I described all of Dad's attributes in my essay and one day it happened: An unexpected overnight packet was delivered to my parents' home. It told of his selection as an Olympic torch bearer. I had totally forgotten about sending my essay in and did not understand when Dad tried to tell me about it on the phone. He could not make sense of it either, because, of course, I never mentioned anything.

Then, together, we reviewed the official information. Once everything was explained, he was in disbelief that such a great, wondrous thing should happen to him -- you know, just a regular guy.

I exclaimed, "Yes, Dad, don't you get it -- you're it. You're Miss America!" This was followed by lots of joyful tears, screaming and jumping. I think my cats hid for three days. I lost my voice for one.

On Dec. 19, 2002, the Olympic torch traveled through the streets of Western Pennsylvania and was carefully placed into Charles Guy Smith's hands Downtown at the corner of Penn and 10th avenues. Numerous well-wishers remarked they were not sure which shined brighter: the flame or the smile on his face.

Notorious rush hour traffic came to a momentary standstill as this international symbol of hope and peace passed by. Business executives and construction workers cheered as Dad ran his length of the relay, proudly holding the torch high. Pittsburghers were united and electrified as they shouted, "USA! USA! USA!"

What a magic moment! What a Dad!

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.