I have arrived in Dover, after a long travel day last night. My communication with my hosts, Bill & Audrey Hamblin, must have been off, they had me down to arrive tomorrow. All is fine, my Mexican friend, Raquel has offered a bunk for tonight.... Thank You, Thank you, thank you.
I took a very short swim this afternoon in the harbor, no one around and I hate to leave my equipment on the beach (after an episode that happened to friend, Meryem Tangoran in 2001). I will not be walking down through the streets in my suit, towel and flip flops. Meryem had her stuff lifted one morning, and we found her roaming with a purpose in that get-up, another humorous moment brought to you by the English Channel.
I've noticed how simplified life seems to here, maybe that's why I keep coming back. It almost as if the rest world does not exist. Our microcosm is a simple world, 'how is the weather?, when are you swimming? and did you make it?'
The channel gods were angry today, strong gusts blew across the channel, making any craft think twice before entering the channel proper. I love this place.
At 19:20 I called my pilot, Mike Oram, to check in, I'm here and ready.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed.
Help those with cancer: www.swimacrossthesound.org or donate to your local Cancer Foundation.
Thursday, July 23, 2009Last Day in the states, I'm prepared.
We had bad news after my final practice at the Mansfield Community Center. Janet called me in tears, her brother-in-law, Greg Urban had died over night. Another good person taken by CANCER. I am so mad at that word, it affects us all.
The news was to be expected, Greg had been battling hard with a lung cancer that was not responding to treatment. I can't believe he is gone.
Another reason to fulfill dreams, success or not, our time here is limited, make the most of it.
So, the grieving begins, I have decided to make my journey and dedicate the swim in Memory of Gregory Urban.
I will be raising funds for The Swim Across the Sound Foundation, through the St.Vincent's Medical Center Foundation, a hospital based Foundation that helps families and victims cope with the battle against cancer.
Check out their website. http://www.swimacrossthesound.org/ or donate to your local Cancer Foundation.
Dream, Prepare, Succeed
Thank you so much Marcy. We are honored to have you swim for Dad, and I'm sure he's honored too. Good luck! With Love, Jessica
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