Written by: Kathleen R. (kruss)
After waiting and freezing for an hour, there he was - Paul and, oh, what's her name? Oh, yea, Roz. Anyway.........they decided to let the mayor and all the dignitaries talk (boring) but Paul and Roz were standing there too by the podium waiting, freezing, hugging, clowning, etc. Then Paul spoke a bit saying thanks, and explaining the Make A Wish stuff to everyone and hoping everyone had a ticket to SOI next week. Roz spoke too and said she thought it was cold where she grew up until today, that it was her first time at this function in Chicago (Paul's done it several times). Then the announcer said they'd do a small exhibition. The announcer couldn't get the word "silver" out to announce them as silver medalists and finally Paul shouted out, "SILVER!!". So they skated to My Kind Of Town (Chicago Is), and Paul did a double toe, 2 scratch blur spins, side stag, russian split, outside to inside spread eagles - and they finished with side by side lunges. Then they took their bows and it was announced that later they'd do the Make A Wish skating stuff. Then they came to the side by me and started signing autographs. And Paul was down about 10 feet from me and I knew I'd have to go by him. So I told a lady I met there that I was going to shake his hand (I don't want an autograph coz I have one already). And so I edged over to where he was. He was signing autographs and quickly looking up and saying "You're welcome " as people thanked him for the autograph and then would leave after getting the autographed. Closer and closer I edged until I was by the boards. He said to everyone, "This has to be the last one coz I'm really, really cold" and I said, "Can I shake your hand?" He didn't look up coz he was finishing the autographs, but he finished, clipped the pen closed, and removed it from his right hand, extended his right hand to me and looked at me. I took his hand and I looked into his eyes and said, clearly and distinctly, "God bless you, Paul." He never wavered from the eye contact and said, "Thank you (pause) - You too!". That's all I wanted. I shook Roz's hand twice but with her it was like a star to fan response, a big "Thanks" and going on to the next person - which was very nice. But I can't believe that I FINALLY got a chance to shake his hand and look into those eyes again, this time close up. Okay - his eyes.......They are indeed "Sapphire"!! They are huge, huge eyes which are as blue as a tropical sea, and whose blue depths just leap out of his small face. I will never, never as long as I live forget those eyes. TV doesn't do them justice. Kathleen (kruss)