Collective 'I-Spy Report' of the Opening Ceremonies

OK, we are back from the opening ceremonies. We spied...

• The fearless, fabulous abs of our new friend Randy Ehle, Gretchen's dad - who, two years ago, received one of her kidneys. When prompted by Larry Hagman, Randy and thousands of people proudly "showed" their scars.... Randy's a "Phi Sig Dad," and he's got the shirt to prove it! (He makes them, and they're awesome.) We've all sort of adopted him. To us, he isn't Mr. Ehle. He's "Raaaaandy! Whoop whoop!"
• Erin, the lone sister from Gamma Sig chapter, clapping for every single person who emerged from the tunnel onstage as every team was introduced. I kid you not, she clapped for 10 full minutes! Im-press-ive!
• the ("honey") Chris Klug, Olympic bronze medal snowboarder and a liver recipient, who was not only the epitome of a gentleman by graciously allowing us to take multiple pics with him, but also quite the "hunk," as Nash so aptly puts it. And Missy. And Wendy. And Ashley and Tricia and Katie, and so on.... Someone here at the table said Lisa and Sandy may also agree with this assessment, but clearly, their husbands are too handsome for them to make comparisons! (OK, Dave and Steve! That should make ya'll happy!)
• Mr. and Mrs. Herschede - and the many times Katie had to hear sisters tell her visiting parents, "We love your daughter!" (Thanks, Katie, for all you've done to make this event a huge success for us....)
• Hundreds of "terrible towels" -- a shout out for you diehard Steelers' fans.
• Lots and lots of tissues, for the tenderhearted among us. ... Great stories, told well, have the power to move mountains and make lifelong memories. We heard plenty tonight.... Sisters were literally passing Kleenex up and down 15 or so rows in the front of the opening ceremonies - seriously!
• Kim and Sandy's names in bright lights at the front of the convention hall for all to see! How cool was that?
  More soon!

Mr. & Mrs. Herschede and sisters -- oh, and here are some classic photos of our sister Katie, Transplant Games coordinator, provided by her parents, we presume.... We love you, Kay-tay!