pictured from left to right: Stephen Maddux, Blake Blackwell, Travis Powell, Joy Rainey
I feel it best to give you a moment by moment account of the entire experience to acquiesce the true emotion and glee felt during this once in a lifetime honor.
2:30 PM: Arrived at Peabody hotel, a self-proclaimed 5-Duck Hotel smelling of campfire smoke and wearing a Bass Pro Shop's aerated hat.
3:00 PM: Waddled down to the pool and swum, circular fashion, for half an hour.
3:30 PM: Checked my email.
3:31 PM: Bathed and prompted for the huge occasion.
4:30 PM: Heart palpitating, rushed to the concierge's desk to receive official orders as honorary Duck Master along with cohorts Joy, Stephen and Travis.
4:45 PM: Official ceremonies begin with the head duckmaster espousing the great tradition started 76 years ago, with such fervent emotion as to cause glistening upon his forehead.
4:59 PM: One moment till ducks exit the fountain.
5:00 PM: Ducks exit, one by one, single-file.
5:01 PM: Follow ducks down the red carpet and receive a standing ovation from the crowd. One crowd member joyfully calls out: "Hey look! It's Jerry's kids." I think he was jealous.
5:05 PM: Arrive at the ducks' resort, and they retire for the evening. I feel emotionally exhausted and drained by this exuberant event, wanting to retire myself.
There you have it! There are plenty of pictures of the event, and since a picture is worth a thousand words, or in case of a 3.2 mexapixel camera, three thousand two hundred words, the details will be filled in better by visiting my picture blog.
3 comments:
Well said fellow duckmaster, well said!
Joy
Dear Stephen, Blake, Travis, and Joy Rainey,
Thank you.
I don't want to toot my own horn, but I think I am probably the person in the world who is most able to appreciate exactly what it is you guys did. Not because of any special qualities about me, but simply because I have shared so much in the rest of you all's "story of Memphis--in the pre-honorary duckmaster portions of your lives. Additionally, this may well signify the passing of an age there in Memphis--and that age belonged to you, and I along with you. (tears beginning to flow)
Hearing your eloquent description of it all, Blakewell--the uncertainty, the nervous energy, the buildup (I love how you, like the ducks, took your own little frolic in the "pond" before getting around to your more pressing and preeminent duties), and then finally the execution--beautiful!!! Beyond my capacity for belief. (The picture was a nice touch too.)
All told, I am unable to calculate the exact volume of sheer joy this experience has brought to my life, vicarious though it was, and I can say this with complete, unblinking sincerity: It is an experience and a memory that shall last me for the rest of my life. Thank you, honorary duckmasters. Thank you, wonderful, wonderful friends.
I can't believe you shaved the beard and cut your hair!!! Judging from your pictures, I think the ducks were slightly disappointed too, alshough I doubt they'll ever admit it!
Post a Comment