July 26, 2003 The words are not flowing so perhaps if I simply start typing, my mind will find the right keys to bring written closure to the six years spent living, breathing, and swimming the Tennessee. When Pete, the TVA boat captain, mometarily left me sitting on the point of an island where the Tennessee River relinquishes control to the Ohio, to take the press to shore to get photos of me exiting the river, I felt like a kid leaving home prepared to make it on their own. I read the letters TVA on the side of the boat as he motored away and was overwhelmed. Six years ago I barely new what those letters meant. Now they bring a rush of emotion and memories. What a fledging I was six years ago when my love for the most beautiful river in the world led me swim her, bringing words of awareness and responsibility to anyone who would/will listen. Now sitting alone at mile 0, I realize they did what they could for me and now I am on my own. In a sense, perhaps that is what TVA is doing with us all. TVA employees were the first stewards of the new River. Now, without government funding and support, they are forced to cut costs in preparation of the priviatization of water. No longer financially able to be the stewards of the River, it is more important than ever for me and every other responsible, concerned citizen to keep the Tenneessee River healthy and flowing. Linda, Janet, Scott, Thomas, Evan, Charles, Pete, and Kenley ; thank you all for sharing your experiences, knowledge, and love of the River with me. Kate, I continued to be honored by your support for my mission and belief in my ability to achieve it. A phrase I often recited during my long hours in the river was, "The sun shines not on me, but in me. The river does not run by me but through me." Anyone that spends time with any of you on the Tennessee knows that phrase applies to each of you. She is a part of who you are and who you will become. Thank you all for making her a part of me. My daughter, Kelsey, was a crewperson for me twice, a couple of days each time. On the way home from Paducah, she cried because she realized she would never see Charles, Pete, or Kenley again and had not even said goodbye to Kenley. I told her there were many marvelously inspirational and dedicated people whom I had encountered on, or as part of, my journey down the Tennessee, and though it deeply saddened me that I may never see them again, each one of them has left an imprint on my soul. You cannot ask God for more. When my feet touched the shores of Paducah, I was hailed by the wonderful Ambassadors of Paducah, the Paducah Swim Club, the Mayor, family, friends, citizens of Paducah, the Propeller Club, media, music and the wildly creative, energetic women of the Paducah Convention and Visitors' Bureau. It was unbelievable. I was honored by a hug from an older gentlemen who years ago began an annual swim across the Ohio/Tennessee. We were to meet for a photo opportunity, but were seperated in the commotion. Hopefully in the fall I can return to claim that picture. Paducah was the perfect place for the Tennessee to join hands with the Ohio. My family and friends drove for hours to share in this momentous occasion. My heart leaped to see so many so full of love and support. What a blessing you all are to me. My Dad and Mom came all the way from Redding, California for the finish...what I have to do to get them to visit! There are many words I have to say, but Surprise, I said them once and my computer shut down...argh...so, I am sending this...hopefully to the Webmaster, Robert, and will try again tomorrow. Please hang on. Love and Thanks to all, mimi