Mom’s Corner - Atlanta 1996
Atlanta 1996
The Games of the XXV1 Olympiad
Imagine that you are sitting among thousands of people watching Mohamed Ali sprint to the top of the stairs to light the Olympic flame, opening the 1996 Olympics. What a thrill. Mohamed Ali was presented a replacement gold metal for his boxing victory in the 1990 Olympics.
Dressage was located at the Georgia International Horse Place in Conyers, Georgia.
Herb & I were lucky to be staying at our brother & sister-in-law’s house in Roswell.
We were very anxious to see the marble wall honoring the athletes. It said ” Through their talents, dedication, and spirit, they have brought glory to the University of Georgia, their country & themselves”. Many people were admiring the honorary panel. We were very thrilled to see Robert’s name up there twice, never dreaming it would be there 6 times one day! Herb was beaming. I was crying, of course! .
One evening the 4 of us decided to take a walk through Olympic Park. All of a sudden we heard an uproar. I remember seeing a bag thrown out in front of us. Later we learned it was some kind of a bomb, and a woman was taken away in an ambulance. We read that a white supremist by the name of Eric R. Rudaly was the Olympic bomber. He had committed a series of bombings across the USA. He killed two people and injured at least 150 others.
The team ride was very good. Ed & Marilyn drove us to the huge parking area. When we all went to find the car it was a riot. None of us could see it. Herb walked so far I had to call a lady with a cart to find him. The next day we took a bus, then a train to the stadium. I was so nervous, I was afraid we would never get on the bus because it was so crowded. A women shouted out, “What are you doing here Mrs. Dover? Didn’t Robert tell you all the parents were being picked up every day?” I had to admit Robert had forgotten to tell us about the rides. We arrived just as Metallic came into the ring. All of a sudden he reared up, and that took care of his chances.
A lovely lady came up to me and asked for my autograph. I laughingly said, “Why would you want my autograph?” She said “You are Robert’s Mom aren’t you?” I got a kick out of that.
All in all it was a great joy to be an American in Atlanta
Jessica — February 22, 2010 @ 12:46 pm
Hi Jean- I love reading your stories about the Olympics! I am so envious of the travel you’ve done! One of the biggest regrets of my life was not asking my parents to help fund a trip to Atlanta that year (I was a poor college studient with no money)! And even more sad - I played competitive badminton in high school and one of my coaches was competing for the US that year!
Love the pictures! Hope you have a great week! Love Always - Jessica
Bernie Hewitt — February 22, 2010 @ 6:30 pm
Jean,
I should also have gotten (that’s me speaking US English) your autograph there! The one thing I can say about Atlanta is that it led to me making some of the the best friends anyone could ever have, and I am so grateful for that. For example, if I had trusted the recommended accomodation I’d have been sleeping on a matress with no pillow in a converted shop front. The Olympic family lady who was appointed to pick me up from the airport was such a star. She said: ‘Honey, I ain’t leaving you here, get back in the car’.We went to the Holiday Inn which through circumstances and the kindness of my dear friend Mu became my home for the duration. That was cutting a long story short, but anyway Hazel is doing Ok, she is mostly home and has a housekeeper now so that has taken some pressure of my mother and restored their roles to the fabulous friendship they have shared for so long. And she has more strength since she is at home and has her beloved dogs about and her sons etc.
I tracked down a book Mum wanted to give Hazel for her birthday and I think they’ll have a lot of fun with it, in fact, I think I may have to buy one myself. It is called ‘Inside of a dog, what dogs smell, see and know.’
It is fascinating! Maybe you should review it for your Moms’ Corner readers?
Lots of love,
Bernie xx
Marci Brown — February 25, 2010 @ 8:39 am
Dear Roberts Mom,
Another great story. Complete with pictures !!! I love it !
So, I am back from my training/vacation in California. Did you miss me ??? Caleb had a great time ! He was a perfect travelling companion. It was wonderful to meet so many new people at the barn, and it seems with the common thread of horses we all became instant friends. Now it is back to the cold and the normal routines of life. I hope spring is around the corner !
I thought of you often while I was away. I hope you are feeling healthy and strong. Caleb would still like to see Florida, and I would like to see you ! So I guess our next adventure had better bring us your way ! xoxo
Marci
Jean Dover — February 25, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
Dear Bernie,
The whole Dover family love dogs. We all had many, but only one at a time. Not so with our girls. Dale adopted 7,5 are left. We don’t always know how many many are in Texas since we are in Florida. Margo went from 4, bur is down to the last tiny mix called PIa waiting fpr him to die from old age. You know Robert had two Jack Russel’s, but now has the most glorious, adorable, smartest, fun dog ever, ever. He walks right to the sink for his water, next to his cabinet for his small bones to roll around on and then throw for himself.
I never reviewed books because I might want to tell the whole story. I will try to get it. I would rather read then ANYTHING!
The Art Of Riding In The Rain, by Garth Stein. is a story I wiil never forget. Is is also an amazing story about a dog. I will try to
find your story about A Dog. What a Dog & Smells & knows.
Thank,s Bernie, Love Robert’s Mom, Jean
marci — March 2, 2010 @ 10:30 pm
Dear Roberts Mom,
YOu have been in my thoughts and prayers. I hope all is well with you. We are starting to see signs of spring here ! Yippee…. with spring comes the MUD , and the farm looks terrible. But, I will stay positive knowing that green grass is just around the corner.
Stay healthy and happy
xoxo
Marci
Jean Dover — March 8, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
Dear Marci,
South Florida is finally starting to feel like spring here too! I can’t remember such a cold end of winter, though I love wearing heavy JACKETS AND SWEATERS.(Oh dear I pressed the caps locks. Please forgive me!) I SPLURGED ON TWO CASHMERE SWEATERS THIS FALL, AND I HAVE WORN THEM CLOSE TO OUT.
I had fun at an outdoor shopping mall yesterday that was having a great sale. I live in work out, laze around stuff. One is pink and peach, another is brown. Oh dear I forgot one gray! I dub them laze around the house cloths. Now you will recognize me anywhere. Believe it or not, I can’t find any jeans or dress pants size 2. I only weigh 98 pounds. Believe me I eat like a truck driver, well almost. Any good ideas for gaining weight? Maybe I should send a prize to the first one to help me gain 2 pounds. What do you think?
I won”t be on the computer much this week. Cousins with babies, friends etc. I hope you are settled in but happy to have fond memories of you vacation to share with us. I sent out my first gift to a lovely lady from Quebec. Did you see the new Quiz? It is about folks who accidentally invent something that makes them wealthy!
Loves, Robert’s Mom