Day 3 - Since Rachel was still sicky poo, we didn't want to overdo it. Yet, we managed to anyway. We spent the morning and early afternoon in an area called the Strip District. No, it's not what you are thinking! There were shops, cafes and street vendors galore. We ate in the well-known restaurant, Primany Brothers, sampling their famous sandwich with cole slaw and french fries on it. Good stuff. After such an exhausting day swimming, I was surprised I had the strength to carry Rachel on my back for many blocks.
The kids on Team NC were playing 3 on3 b-ball at the Convention Center that night, and we hoped to spectate. Caroline and Laura had cheered them on to no avail the night before. We saw some of game, after a huge hullaballoo trying to find somewhere to eat. Remember, spouses don't fight, just disagree :-)
Day 4 - Free day, and we went to Sandcastle Water Park. It was awesome, and I think I had the most fun. My dad was gracious enough to help fund the trip, so we taxied all the way there. We dropped off our stuff & swam in the wave pool, then hit the slides. I have always loved water parks, and relished the opp to exercise my nerve on the big ones. Though, Caroline and the girls would have been ok if I skipped the "Lightning Express." What a rush! And, what a climb to get up there just to go down. It was a family blast, which we needed, and we returned tired and sunburned.
Closing ceremonies tonight. Very well done, and hosted by Celebrity Ken Howard, who is also a kidney recipient. He is great, and the transplant community receives him well. This year, his donor, a Hollywood stuntwoman, was also in attendance. Music was good, but not as good as Opening Ceremonies, at least to me. Individual and team awards given, with generous applause. Team Arizona wins the team cup, deservedly so.
Day 5 - Time to go. Take shuttle to airport, check in... We were first of team to gate, so Caroline and girls were off. I was feeling a little puny, so I laid down on the seats, though unable to fit under the armrests that don't lift up. Not long after I got in this uncomfortable position, some folks sat nearby and started to chat. Turns out they were donor families from Team Connecticut, who happened to sit down for a rest on the way to their gate. Coincidence? Doubt it.
I immediately connected with a woman who has attended multiple Games, after losing her only son, Brian. What an amazing thing to listen to her story and about the illness that took Brian's life. He was 13 yrs old, and had a rare & fatal form of Muscular Distrophy. And, how humbling to be able to be an encouragement to her, just by being there. This is what the Games are all about to me.
Transplant Games in 2010 is in Madison, Wisconsin!
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