A week of thoughts

Arrow reporter Paula Bridger shares her observations and opinions on Close Up.

Feb. 14: Well, here I am at  the motel in Washington, D.C.  Tonight I’m with Carmyn, Terri and Amber. We had a great time swimming. Tomorrow, we go to Ford’s Theater — where Lincoln was killed — Hard Rock Cafe and then to the Holocaust Museum.

Feb. 15: Today was fabulous. We went to Ford’s Theater, Hard Rock Cafe and to the Holocaust Museum. I enjoyed Ford’s Theater the most. All the original things in the room where Lincoln was assassinated were there. The  Holocaust Museum was very interesting, but there were too many people. There were so many people that it was difficult to  see the exhibits. “Remember those who died, they are the survivors.”

Feb. 16: Today was sad. In terms of the memorials. “The Wall” was incredible; there was a letter to a brother, father and friend all in one. The Lincoln Memorial was fascinating. The Korean memorial was very plain but it got the point across.

Feb. 17: COLD and RAINY!! I about froze today and I was so tired that I couldn’t stay awake. Carmyn and I were asleep in the bus when all of sudden “BOOM!” a bomb hit our bus. Just kidding, it was only a car. We got to see the Jefferson Memorial and the FDR Memorial that was finished in May of ‘97. I was too cold to enjoy them. We had a boring tour of the capitol but we go back tomorrow and that should be better.

Feb. 18:  Today was Capitol Hill day. We visited our congressmen. and went to Rick Hill’s office. I didn’t get to meet the representative or either of the senators, we just met those who worked in their offices. The conferences are over today. I learned a lot from them. “Remember, democracy is not a spectator sport.”

Feb. 19: Had a gun control seminar today and I was extremely tired, but the lady make me so mad that I had no problem staying awake. She didn’t know her facts and that brought her talk down. Went to the Air and Space Museum and it was incredible. They had an atomic missile that was 12 times the size of the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. Went to the play “Capitol Steps” tonight — it was hilarious but kind of gross. “Smile it is one of the greatest face exercises.”

Feb. 20: I spent the day with Carmyn and her cousins along with Laura Brist. I had my own personal tour of the White House.

Feb. 21:  I got a picture of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. I saw the whole Bulls team. Michael said hi. I was so excited that I came straight back to the motel and called Mom. We said all our good-byes and then left for the airport at 1:00. Carmyn’s cousins came and saw us off at the airport. Thanks to all those that helped to send me on a fantastic week. “Home is where the heart is.”

About The Arrow | Arrow front page