Golden times for Jamaica's athletic royalty

It was a beautiful clear night at the Jamaica House for the Golden Reception. We were celebrating Team Jamaica's performance at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

I stood with Team Jamaica as we waited to hear our names. Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Sports Minister Olivia ‘Babsy' Grange were handing out awards on the stage. I practiced the formal greeting for weeks. "Most Honorable Prime Minister, it is a distinct honor to meet you. Thank you for your gracious hospitality. This is the big boss, my wife, Elizabeth." He laughed. Thank God.

The crowd loved the athletes with their massive muscles and sleek dresses.

I probably was the only one to notice the unopened Ackee on the trees overhead; red and beautiful.

Prime Minister Golding and Minister Grange gave their speeches. Wow! What great communicators! Truly genius! Receiving a plaque from "the Government and People of Jamaica" was by far my greatest accomplishment.

The Thanksgiving service at the Portmore SDA Church had many memorable moments. Usain Bolt sat in front of me while we watched the choir sing. After they finished, one of the members pulls out a Camera from under his Blue and Gold robe and starts snapping away, aiming right at Usain. He looks back at me and starts laughing and pointing. That's how he handles his fame. He has a great laugh.

The church is packed with beautiful smiling faces. Pastor Brown reminds us to place an athlete on our prayer list and reminds us how the country pulls together perfectly for 9.58 seconds and should continue the process. My wife turns to me and comments how interesting it is that the opposition leader is invited to partake in the festivities. I told her that I was thinking the same thing and that the United States should be more gracious like Jamaica.

As we leave the church super star 100 Meter gold medalist Shelly Ann-Fraiser is trampled by the crowd and barely makes it back to the bus.

The bus drive to Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios was equally eventful with our police escorts serving as the entertainment. They would swerve into oncoming traffic to make them stop. I was happy to hear my wife shouting, "Oh my god!"

You see, I figured now she will leave me alone with my driving for a few days.

The athletes enjoyed swimming with the dolphins very much. We all chanted, "Go on! Kiss'em." But Lacena Golding-Clarke was too afraid to do so. Veronica and Keron had no problem taking the plunge.

Trelawny was beautiful complete with crickets and warm tasty breadfruit. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend Sunday's family day at the Stadium. What a blessing to be a Jamaican.

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