Once In A Lifetime!

It’s been a really nice week here at Saint Francis.  I was invited by the Giants and CHW to ride on a FLOAT during the World Series Parade.  After the parade, many people asked me what it was like?  My answer was that this was truly a once in a lifetime event.  I will never again see what seemed like a million people gather in absolute happiness and joy.  People were visible everywhere, not just walking and watching on Market Street, but in windows, on top of buildings and also 50 people deep – standing and watching.  There was total order and respect for our City’s heroes  - similar to ones’ imagination of a crowd gathering for the highest paid “rock stars” or even the Pope.

On the buses back to the stadium from Civic Center, there were police escorts at every corner and it was smooth sailing back to the Ballpark.  Along the way, every business emptied out onto the streets.  I remember one scene where six elderly Asian women wearing aprons walked down the street and took off and waved their aprons to the buses in celebration.   The police tell me that there was no crime other than a few indulgers who were celebrating in their own way.

The police were so well prepared that there was no possibility of any  thing getting out of hand – total peace and happiness in our City by the Bay.

CHW is lucky to have the Giants organization as our friend and partner.  The parade was sponsored by the Giants, CHW and several other organizations and truly highlighted everyday people realizing their dreams and being proud.  This was a truly a People’s Parade and a day that San Francisco will long be proud of.   As we have many challenges with Healthcare Reform, increased taxes, joblessness –for this one day and this point in time, happiness won over.