Right after I sat down in my seat, I took this photo with my iPhone--pre-game-shoot-around. Here's how I got to my seat. First, Lamont let me know that he'd pick me up at 5:30 p.m. so that I would be there in plenty of time for the 6 p.m. start of the game. Then, on the way I called the phone number I'd been given last April for the wheelchair escort. It didn't work, so I asked Lamont to let me out at the curb, and I walked slowly to the entrance I always use.
Once I got inside and through security, a Portland Police Bureau officer complimented me on my hat! Sweet! Thanks, Lori, for making it for me! Other employees smiled at me, but I'll bet it was my hat that got them going!
Next I talked with some Guest Services guys, Jose, Pecola, and Braheem, who made certain that a wheelchair appeared quickly to whisk me away to my entrance. They also let me know that I had been given an incorrect phone number last April. Now I've edited it and know that once I appear at that gate, Pecola says he'll have a wheelchair waiting for me and/or send one out to the curb for me, if need be. I want to walk when I feel good enough to do so. I also found out that before the wheelchair escort leaves, I can make a reservation for the return of the wheelchair, say a specific time or when the game ends, etc. That's great to know!
The Blazers didn't play very well until the 4th quarter when all of a sudden we were totally in the game. This young man, C.J. McCollum, scored 18 of his 26 points in the 4th quarter and OT! This is a photo of my big ol' TV screen when C.J. was being interview after the game.
I had asked Leland to pick me up at 8:15 p.m., so the wheelchair arrived back at my gate at 8:05 p.m. The game was very close, and right after we got outside, I checked the app--it looked like we had a chance! The wheelchair escort LaShawn waited with me on the sidewalk until Leland got there. By the time we pulled away, the game had gone into overtime! And when I got home and turned on my big ol' TV, the Blazers had the lead and went on to win! Who cares if it was just a pre-season game? The players leaned a lot tonight, I'll bet. I liked that they never quit!
How nice all of these men were tonight, from my sons Lamont and Leland, to Pecola and Braheem and LaShawn, plus Jose who also had been nice and helpful for me several times four years ago. I cannot forget to mention the usher at my section, Paul. What a great guy! I was very tickled to recognize him as I approached. I hope that I feel good enough to go to the home opener on October 28!
