October 9, 2008 by Joanne
Beijing Olympics will always be special to me because it was at the same month I got my first travel nursing assignment at Towson, Maryland. Coincidently, it was the same place where Michael Phelps grew up. I have been amazed of his performance and world records. His determination, focus and love for his chosen sport made him the man who made history by getting eight gold medals in a single olympic.
Two weeks ago, on my way to work I was seeing flags and banners at York Road. At first I cannot believe it because they were having a homecoming parade for Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, Jessica Long and other Maryland Olympians, Special Olympians and Paralympians at the same street where I’m working . How cool is that! All along I thought they were having it at Downtown Baltimore.
The parade was at October 4, 3 PM, Saturday. I double checked my calendar. I’m a bit hesitant to attend. I’m working like crazy for this first assignment. I only have a few days off. Shoot. I got disappointed when I saw I’m working that day and it will be my fifth night in a row (take note I’m working 12 hour shifts). I did not decide right away if I’m going or not. I only decided the day of the parade. I simply cannot miss it. When I got off from work from my fourth night, I got home, had a quick breakfast, showered and slept. No surfing the net and no television. Big sacrifice! I was able to sleep for 5 hours from 9 AM to 2 PM. It was only a 20 minute drive from where I’m staying to the parade route. Luckily, we got free parking from the facility where I’m working.
I have never seen a parade in the US. It was so great. There were marching bands from different high schools in the area, Ravens cheerleaders and mascot, Oriole mascot, antique cars, members of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club and even Batman and Robin in their Bat Mobile. The overwhelming support of the people was overflowing. There were all kinds of people… families with their children, both young and old cheered with glee as he waved to the crowd.
I may not be at Beijing when Michael Phelps broke his world records but I was part of the estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people who welcomed him home.
Here is the story from ESPN.
Please check out photos at my multiply album.
Don’t miss the videos. Enjoy!
Parade of Gold Part 1 from Joanne on Vimeo.
Parade of Gold Part 2 from Joanne on Vimeo.