Day 4378: Olympic Gold , Gratitude for Freedom & Good Sunday Decision.

   

"Effects of War": junk collage, digital.

 

 

 

  

Want music?

    

Click : Lionel Richie, Love Will Find A Way.

 

  

 

 

2GN2S

Olympic Gold & Gratitude for Freedom

Brittney Griner knew she would get emotional, but didn’t expect this. After the United States secured its eighth consecutive women’s basketball gold medal with a nail-biting 67-66 win over France, the teams had a break ahead of the medal ceremony.

When the American flag was raised and “The Star-Spangled Banner” blared through Bercy Arena, Griner couldn’t hold it in anymore, and there was no bathroom in which she could seek solitude. So she let the tears stream down her face as she soaked in the scene.

“It means so much to me, my family. I didn’t think I would be here,” Griner said. “And then to be here and win gold for my country, representing when my country fought for me so hard for me to even be standing here. This gold medal is going to hold a special place amongst the other two.”

Griner, 33, spent the majority of 2022 under Russian detainment, a confinement that the United States government designated as wrongful. She was arrested by Russian authorities for carrying a small amount of hashish oil into the country when she traveled to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg during her WNBA offseason. She was convicted of drug charges and sentenced to nine years in a penal colony. That December, she was freed in exchange for the U.S. releasing Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who had been serving a 25-year sentence.

Griner said her teammates, coaches and family have been a constant support to her through the journey, and she noted she couldn’t have made this overseas trip to play basketball if not for the time she committed to therapy.

Throughout her time in France, Griner consistently brought up her gratitude for returning to her teammates and to the game she loves.“My country fought for me to get back,” Griner said. “And I was able to bring back gold for my country.”

In 2018 I agreed to support a 6 year old little girl from Bondeni Community in Nairobi, Kenya.

2018

Our church had agreed to get sponsors.

And though I hadn't planned on it, this little face seemed to call to me. WonderWoman and Superman sponsored three. I hear from her about once a year.

2024

MaryAnne is now 12, her letters have become more detailed. 

Her favorite subject in school is art, and she would like to be a teacher when she grows up. She enjoys playing frisbee,  her favorite color is green.

She asked me questions, so I answered.

That was a good decision made that Sunday.

 

  

 

A 2+ minute video,  Sage Grouse dance, here

 

 

 

  

 

Just because ...

  

 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

  

 

Wednesday's Smiles ...