A Bronze!

This is our sissy reporting:


So Jim and I got to the Carnegie Mellon University about 11 this morning. Dad was a bundle of anxious nerves. His first event was the 50 meter breast stroke. He looked strong and had nice form .

His second event was the 50 meter freestyle. Unfortunately I didn’t realize it was so soon after his first event. We had stepped away to eat some lunch and missed all the excitement! Apparently after his 50 meter freestyle (which he said he felt really good doing) he made friends with a woman named Kimberly from team Illinois. She had a heart transplant 14 months ago and was bound and determined to compete in this year’s games. After her transplant she suffered a stroke which affected her vision and she was a little unsteady. Dad talked quickly made friends with her and when it came time for her event she asked if he would help her. He helped her to her lane (oddly enough lane 6. Still the number 6 keeps popping up!) and she handed him her glasses. I guess after she took her glasses off she really couldn’t see and kindly asked where the water was. Dad got her in position and when she began to have doubts about her event he encouraged her by saying that her donor was here watching. That gave her all the encouragement she needed to dive right in. She made it all the way down to one end of the pool, she made the turn and about ½ way back she kind of stopped. She had run out of breath and she was beginning to sink. Now the pool area is congested and loud. There are hundreds of people watching and cheering. At that moment Dad said it was surreal. All he could do focus on was her. Without even a thought he dove in and swam like heck to her. He helped her back to the surface. Apparently she caught her breath and said I’m fine but would you stay with me? He swam next to her all the way to the finish line encouraging her that she could do it. And she made it! He said that moment made the whole day and was one of the best experiences he has had since he’s been transplanted.

The third event was the 200m swim relay. Geo, Sandy, Pete and Matt made up the Team CT swim relay team. All four swam their hearts out and it paid off. They won a bronze!

We are sooooooooooooooo very, very proud of our dad! Today is track and field day and day and dad will throw the shot put and the discus! Paws are crossed, dad! Toss that baby right out of the field! whooooooooohoooooooooooo!

So until next time................

Love ya lots,

Maggie and Mitch