Our Olympian

It is slightly embarrassing how late in coming this post is.  But I'm putting the pride aside because it was extremely important in the lives of the kids (and me as well) that I really want to share it here.  Most of you know that A. The 2012 Summer Olympics were held in London a few months ago and B. There was a runner from our hometown that competed in the 1500M race in track and field.  This was so exciting for us as an entire community and the love and support for Morgan Uceny was simply amazing to see.  There were t-shirts, bracelets, billboards, signs, shop windows decorated and whereever you went, people were talking about Morgan, our hometown Olympian.  I get goosebumps just remembering the excitement leading up to the Olympics.  Finally the day came for the first of 2 qualifying races.  The kids, my mom and I were travelling back from Pennsylvania that day and we had facebook up on the phone and were texting back and forth with my aunt so that we could get results right away.  We were so nervous, that we kept laughing at ourselves.  It was like we were the ones running! HA!  She qualified and two days later we were again glued to the computer for live coverage and were so nervous.  She again qualified for the next round, the FINALS!!!  Running for Gold!

Now, during this whole time Kiara was racing outside on our patio and making us clap and cheer  "Go Mo Go" as she ran around and she would finish with her arms up and smile on her face. She would do this over and over and over.  She would talk to Morgan (make believe) and about Morgan ALL of the time.  She became part of our family! It was adorable. The boys were fans as well, but weren't make believe talking to her (smile).

Anyway...finally the day came for the finals. Because of the time difference in London, the even would not be shown "live" on network tv, but would be streamed live online.  The High School in town opened up it's auditorium to show the race on the big screen.  Below is a picture of everyone packed into the auditorium to watch the race. Notice the line of people standing along the sides.

 

The mayor of the city had renamed a road right by the high school Morgan Uceny Run which the kids thought was pretty cool and we had to drive by a couple of times and take a picture.

So...we are sitting in the auditorium and I know that I can't put into words how incredible of an environment it was.  It was one of the most exciting, energized, and awesome events that I have ever been a part of.  We chanted "Go Mo Go", "Run Mo Run" and cheered and hollered for the hour leading up to the race.  When Morgan walked onto the track in her warm-up, the volume was overwhelming as we cheered and gave me goosebumps. It felt like we were right there with her.  Then the introductions came of each runner...the auditorium again erupted as she was introduced and as she looked into the camera and smiled, it got even louder! Here are a couple of shots of that, one showing the size of the screen we were watching and one close up of that smile I mentioned.

As the race began, we chanted and yelled and clapped and it was unlike anything I have experienced. I don't know how to put it into words, but it was simply amazing to be a part of.  Morgan is known for her "last lap"...she saves a lot and really kicks into gear for that.  As the bell sounded for the last lap, we were all on our feet, jumping, yelling, chanting, clapping.  It was deafening...and then it happened.  She was tripped and went down on the track.  As deafening as the sound was going into that last lap, it was equally deafening silence that enveloped the auditorium for about 30 seconds or so.  Then we began clapping and chanting again to support our Olympian.  You see...we were crushed right along with her. To see her anguish on the track and not know if she was ok was heart-wrenching.  We were stunned, shocked, devastated for her and many tears were shed that day.  BUT, she had already won gold in our eyes.  Not only had she made it there and into the finals, but her attitude and poise are amazing and she is an incredible down to earth role model.  Simply, she is our hero.  She is OUR OLYMPIAN.  No matter what. 

Labor Day weekend, Morgan made an appearance in our hometown. Not quite a month after the race, she came out to be interviewed, thank the town for their support, meet us and sign autographs. She continued to have such a positive attitude and strength, even in her tears.  She is a role model that I am glad for my kids to have.

After she was interviewed for all of us, she stayed a loooong time meeting everyone and signing autographs.  Kiara was OVER THE MOON excited about meeting her.  The entire day she had been telling me all of the things she wanted to tell Morgan.  While we waited in line, she got away from me and when we found her, she was standing right beside "her friend Morgan" and didn't know why that wasn't ok.  Finally it was our turn and we had some newspaper articles autographed..Kiara was quiet as a mouse, speechless I think (which NEVER happens).  This photo is one that we will always cherish. 

We got their picture with her and walked back down when I realized, I didn't get my picture with her.  My cousin, is actually cousin's with Morgan on the other side of the family, so she came back up with me and took our picture together.  It was raining and my shirt was soaked so I couldn't have her sign it.  But sharing some family has some benefits.  A few weeks later, they had a family reunion where my aunt took my shirt to have her sign it.  We also printed the picture of her and the kids and she signed one for each of them. 

We hope that she is able to run again in Rio...but honestly, it doesn't matter.  She is completely golden in our hearts and she is our hero.  So proud of this hometown girl!

W