That's a wrap for Brad

Saturday, Aug. 23

by Brad Kelly

    I'm sitting here trying to make this perfect, when in fact, before I even start, I know it won't be.

    But here goes.

    This trip has really been something. We had an editorial meeting months ago, and on that agenda, Ron and I were expected to give the rest of the staff a briefing on our Olympic adventure. I opened by asking, "What do you say about the trip of a lifetime?"

    I still struggle to answer that very same question.

    Perhaps this can put it into some kind of perspective. I have never really traveled or been away. In the last 25 years, I have gone to the Dominican Republic with my family back in 1986, and in 2003, took my own family to Florida.

    That's been it.

    My wife Debbie and I have never had the money to travel. There was always something else to spend it on, something more important than ourselves. It's not that we haven't had the time, we just never took the time. We went as far as getting some travel books five years ago, vowing we would go somewhere tropical for our 15th wedding anniversary. We never went.

    How ironic, that on the same day as my 20th wedding anniversary, Aug. 6, I left for China. Not taking the time to go somewhere, anywhere, together is a regret.

    Mind you, this has been no holiday. Our mandate was to get as many athletes from as many different areas within our newspaper chain as possible. It was a quantity without sacrificing the quality kind of mission. We pushed ourselves to produce, and on that, we have been successful. The interview and photo today with mountain bike racer Seamus McGrath concludes our Olympic event coverage. I wouldn't even want to begin to count the number of stories, columns, photos and blogs that we've produced. Nor would I want to add up the hours.

    We started working the minute we landed, chasing high jumper Nicole Forrester through the Beijing airport to get our first story and picture. We haven't stopped since. Sometimes we pushed it a little too hard, not stopping to take the time to enjoy what was around us. The only event we have been to for pleasure was a U.S. against Spain men's basketball game on a Saturday night. But we paid the price for that little indulgence, arriving home at 2 a.m. and getting up at 6 a.m. to get to field hockey for an interview with a Great Britain player, Matt Daly, who used to live in Uxbridge.

    Sightseeing? Well, we went to Tiananmen Square. But most of the sights we have taken in have been through the window of the countless shuttle bus rides we have taken, staring out at the countryside or the streets as we pass through.

    This trip hasn't been lost on me though. I take a moment every morning to look out the window of our 17th floor apartment at the landscape below. Arriving home at night I do the same, absorbing all of the lights and beauty. It serves as a reminder of where I am and what I am doing.

    The best part has been the opportunity to share this journey with someone. Ron and I have had a hoot. We have laughed. Man, have we laughed and enjoyed the days here.

    There are two more sleeps left here, and then it's time to go home. We land in Toronto Monday night around 7 p.m. after flying for 13 hours, have been given Tuesday off, then back to the office Wednesday.

    Back to reality.

    
    

Comments

[mom]

When I read the "two more sleeps", I realized some things never change. We are so happy you had this chance of a lifetime and that you enjoyed it. There are not a lot of people who can say they really enjoy their job the way we know you do. Have a safe trip home! Love from your dad and I..

[lynne compton]

Hey Brad - some pretty wise statements & reflections in your wrap-up blog. This trip will change your perspective on life and the future...Your family is even more proud of your accomplishments!

[The Russells]

Outstanding job Brad! We truly enjoyed the blog and being able to interact with Ron and you during your incredible journey,

Safe travels Men!

[Joani]

Brad, Ron has mentioned to me on more than one occassion that you were one of the best people that he could of gone away with. its tough sometimes working in such close quarters and no where near home to escape to.But Ron has had the best time..your stories together with Rons pics were truly outstanding...you guys sure it was your first time away at the Olympics? I hope you both get to go again..this time you can take your families....safe trip home and congratulations