The Big Day

Everyone is fed and in bed, finally resting after an intense day both emotionally and physically. They are a little sunburned, a little stinky, and riding an incredible high from conquering the seemingly insurmountable goal they had set for themselves. They were fortunate enough to have wonderful conditions today. The sun was shining and the wind had died down. The water was cold but the waves were calm. The current was strong but less so than yesterday. They woke this morning before the sun without (much) complaining, gathered their gear, and walked to the docks. I didn't hear from them again for an agonizing 13 hours. I sat in the lobby of the hotel for hours, supported by the parents who were able to be here as well. We checked the tracker constantly, waiting for the periodic signs of progress. As the markers got closer and closer to shore, our anticipation grew. Our own nerves set in. Some paced, others tried to busy themselves with tasks to make the time pass, some of us just chatted about the 13 incredible "kids" (plus Cheryl, John, Dan and Mike!) about to accomplish something so few ever will. And as the moment came where the marker sat just off the shore of France, we all held our breaths. The text came that the first boat had made it, and we all cheered and a few cried. And shortly after the first, a second text came that the second boat had made it as well. Another cheer, more clapping, and more tears. We may have made a tiny scene in the lobby, but would it be Arch any other way?? We were speechless in many ways. How do you put into words the feeling you have experiencing someone else's triumph? Pride? Joy? Happiness? Elation? Nothing seems to quite sum up just how incredible we think this accomplishment is. I thought to myself, if I feel this way without even participating how must the Zombies feel? Tired. Sunburned. Hungry. If I can't explain how those of us on land felt, there is no way I can possibly describe how they must have felt. I can say, however, that I could hear their cheers as they landed back in Dover all the way from the hotel, a good 5 minute walk away. I'll let them tell you about it tomorrow, no need to steal their well-deserved thunder. So, many thanks go out to the supporters out there. The parents, the sponsors, the family and friends who believed in the goal, and without whom this may never have happened. And a big thanks from me, because I know I will never forget the experience I have had and the impression these incomparable "kids" have left on me in just a few short months.

-Lisa