Only 10 days until we arrive in Madison for the Transplant Games! There is no way to describe how exciting, nerve wracking, monumental and thrilling this whole episode in our lives is. Andy and I are a little anxious about the logistic side of things (I haven't flown since May of '01, and Andy since '96 or so, and never with kids!!), but we are so very excited to be taking part in this amazing and emotional event. At the games we'll be able to attend the events themselves, cheering on the Upstate New York team, made up of transplant recipients and living donors from the greater Rochester region, attend donor family seminars, and surround ourselves with the love only those touched by organ donation can truly comprehend. Oh, and did I mention, we are meeting Beckham? YES, we are meeting BECKHAM! Andy and I will be able to meet, and, if we're lucky, even hug, the little man who carries Jake's heart. We will also get to meet Kim, Nate and big sister Gwen, an experience we are immensely looking forward to. I know I already posted about this when it was established that the Kidney Foundation would help the Scadlocks get to the games, but now that it's almost upon us the realization is sinking in. We have been inspired by the Scadlocks strength and amazing love for one another since we first discovered their blog in January of 2008, when Beckham was less than six months old and our own loss was still a fresh wound. They are remarkable people and I cannot wait to share this experience with them.
The first day we are in Madison will prove to be a trying and wonderful one. We arrive around 11am, but cannot check into our room until 3pm (typical). At 2 I have to be at rehearsal for the opening ceremonies, where I can practice with the five piece band I am performing with. Then at 3:30 we will meet the Scadlocks (absolute highlight of the day!). We have to be at the Coliseum at 6 to get ready for the opening ceremonies, which start at 6:30. Phew! What a day! I'm slightly worried about my performance. I heard or read somewhere that there are around 7,000 athletes at the Games - that's to say nothing of donor families, athletes families, press, staff, etc... I've never performed before more than a few hundred people! And to top it all off, they want Beckham to be on stage with me! This is so exciting, but, in the same breath, I'll be having a hard enough time keeping it together even if Beckham isn't standing there with me. Hopefully I'll manage to get through it without totally botching this amazing song.
Sunday, the second day of the games, is Beckham's third birthday! On Monday there is a Donor Recognition Ceremony, for which I was also asked to sing. I chose Faith Hill's "There You'll Be." I am, thankfully, fairly early in the program for this ceremony. At some point while we are there there will also be a quilt pinning ceremony. Andy and I are still trying to design and execute a quilt square in Jake's memory to add to the national quilt. It should prove to be an action packed trip, but luckily we can always go back to the hotel and take a break (there's an indoor pool, so the boys will be in their glory!).
I want to take a moment to thank everyone that has supported us over the last (almost) three years, and especially those that helped with our fund-raising efforts this spring for the trip. We are particularly thankful to the Odessa-Montour Interact Club, which raised $500 to help us with our airfare and expenses. Andy and I are so blessed to have such amazing people in our lives, from our work place, to our friends, and our family. I promise to get lots of photos uploaded upon our return!
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