Every year we have the summer Special Olympics in a town known as Richmond, Ky on the Eastern Kentucky University Campus. Richmond is only 24 miles from me, so my daughter, her 14 year old son, her 10 year old daughter, and I volunteered to help with this event. I had some apprehensions because I had never done anything like this and I had not a clue what was expected of me.
We got up early that Saturday morning, drove to Richmond and made our way to the campas to find our stations for the day. My granddaughter and I went to ball throwing station, while my daughter and her son went to track and field. We got our sunscreen on and the beautiful t shirts that all the volunteers were awarded for helping and waited for the events to start.
Now I am familiar with people who have handicaps because I have a sister who has brain damage from seizures and and one who also has brain damage from hydrocephalus as a child. But I was not prepared to see that many handicap people at once. Of course some were more handicapped than others, but it was almost more than I could take as I watched these people so excited to participate in these games. My heart ached for them, but not for long. Because they taught me what a champion was all about. This was one of the highlights of their life. It was also to become one of the highlights of my life.
I watched as my granddaughter was so excited to help lead these Special Olympians out to their location for their chance at throwing a ball across the field. I was so proud of her because she saw everyone as people to be loved and admired, and not with handicaps. The little servant's heart in her was all over the field that day, helping all she could. Of course we had tears of joys, hugs of congratulations from all of them. Not one was sad that they did not come in first place. They were just happy to be a part of a bigger scheme of things.
During the lunch break, I went over to track and field where my daughter and grandson were to watch them awhile. Tears ran down my face as I watched a little boy with artificial legs run across the finish line. He came in last place, but everyone was cheering him on just as if he were running for first. It was so hot that day and these people ran through the heat. I even watched as one little girl stopped and let another friend that she had met on the field that day catch up with her and then let the friend she had just met win. It was not about going across the finish line first, it was thinking of the other person. I was so ashamed of myself as I watched them persevere despite their handicaps. I who supposedly have no handicaps, can not hold a candle to the love, determination, stamina, and faith that these Special Olympians had.
I am humbled now because of this experience and I can hardly wait until next year to be a part of this great event for these Special Olympians.
We went home tired, sunburned, and changed. I went to help them, but in the end, they were the ones to helped and taught me. Thank you my Special Friends!!
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| ~~~The Special Olympics------Summer Style~~~ |
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cOuNtRyGiRl816
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Nov 24 @ 3:16PM
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I use to work for a company that required me to take care of individuals with physical and mental handicaps, and it was the most rewarding job I've ever had. Our job was to "Habilitate" , not "rehabilitate", these individuals. We taught them to tie their shoes, or to brush their teeth, to cook their meals, to set the table, everyday things that we, the traditional "normal" people, either take for granted or complain about. Granted, some of these individuals never did grasp the concept of tying there shoes, or setting the table, but everyday, we let them do as much as they could. I'll never forget the day one of my favorite clients came out of his room. He had a huge smile on his face and was literally beaming! He walked up to me gave me a big hug, and said Thankyou. I asked him for what, and he looked down at his feet, pointed to his shoes, and said "You helped me tie my shoes. I did it by myself today."
These people who have these handicaps are looked down upon, called "stupid," and are not given full credit for what they are worth. But someone like us, who have worked side by side with these amazing individuals, know what they can do. And we know that even though they can't drive a car, or tie their own shoes, they are truly the better people. They know no hate, know no boundaries, and will love unconditionally, because that is what they DO know how to do!
Kudo to you Ky. You deserve it!
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summerbreeze916
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Nov 24 @ 7:08PM
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I watched as my granddaughter was so excited to help lead these Special Olympians out to their location for their chance at throwing a ball across the field. I was so proud of her because she saw everyone as people to be loved and admired, and not with handicaps.
I do believe most of us were not unlike your precious granddaughter when we were in our youth. The sad thing is........it seems some of us lost our hearts and feelings towards others when we became adults. 
Great write, my friend.........  
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