My favorite picture of the day
Hi everyone!
Yesterday, I shared with you my favorite memory of the day at the Expo: a truly inspiring conversation with an emotional dad.
Today, I thought I'd share with you my favorite of all the photos I took at the Swimming Event. Phi Sigs were out in force at the University of Louisville Natatorium to support the swimmers. Our collegians timed the swimmers (joined by Director of Housing Tracy Koch), cheered on athletes, and served as lap counters during the 400-meter events. We were also thrilled to have the chance to present medals to the inspiring winners.
Lots of terrific things happened today, but what I really want to tell you about is this picture. I don't know this athlete's name, but he had a profound effect on me. He swam the 100-meter medley and in the third lap, he was struggling. He made it to the edge of the pool and then turned around to swim his fourth and final lap. I watched as his eyes saw his remaining 25 meters and realized how long that final lap looked to him. His face sort of fell, but he steadied himself and started to propel himself off... and at the last second, just couldn't. He took a breath, and I could see him focus and prepare to tackle that long, last lap.
And then, he propelled off the side and launched into it! It was a slow lap and he struggled the whole way. About halfway home, the crowd focused its attention on his victory.
'GO! GO! GO! GO! GO!'
The shouts and claps filled the building, and he dug deep into himself.
This athlete finished in last place, winning no medal. But, when he touched the wall, it was the most victorious moment I witnessed all day.
I don't know his name, but he is the athlete I will remember.
Love,
Heather
Amy Holdorf
June 27th, 2006 @ 11:07 am
The athlete is Frank Buckler of St. Louis. He had a liver transplant in 2000. The other man standing next to him - to see if he is OK - is Gene Jaimerson, the team captain for St. Louis and himself a liver recipient. Thanks for you wonderful comments and all of your hard work. I really appreciate it!
Amy Holdorf
Team St. Louis
Kidney 1994
Thanks Mom!
jes
June 27th, 2006 @ 01:57 pm
I've cried at least 3 times over this blog entry! You stop that, Heather J. Kelley! We're not made of stone!
Heather Kelley
June 28th, 2006 @ 10:03 am
Amy, thank you so much for telling me his name! I'm crying again as I type this. Frank was "my athlete" of the Games... in that when someone asks me what the experience was like, I picture his face as I begin to answer. But, I didn't get the chance to meet him and never knew his name. I was so impressed by the devotion and strength of all the athletes... you thank us for our being there, but I thank you for letting us share this experience. It was truly a life-altering one to see the gift of life in action.
Thank you so much!
Love,
Heather
Heather Kelley
June 28th, 2006 @ 10:04 am
JES -
I feel that way, too - this is the one that really chokes me up, too.
Thanks so much for continuing to read and share our experiences!!
Love,
Heather
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Julie Parker - Archon - Zeta Eta Chapter
August 2nd, 2006 @ 08:27 pm
Hello sisters-
It has been nothing but inspiring and refreshing to read about the incredible moments that you all shared helping others and working as a team.
As I think about the values that Phi Sigma Sigma sisterhood represent, I am proud to say that I think each and every one of you contributed to upholding these values.
I wish I could have been there - and I look forward to the year where I can meet my "Frank" as even reading about it has brought tears to my eyes and realize more about the meaning of our philanthropies and how much it actually makes a difference.
Congratulations and kudos goes out to all of you who made it possible for us to contribute - the chapters who participated, international and other volunteers. Your work does not go unnoticed. On behalf of the Zeta Eta Chapter at Carleton University in Ottawa (your Canadian sisters!), thank you. We are all proud to call ourselves members of this wonderful organization; even more importantly, we are proud to be a part of this sisterhood.
LITP