Words...what are they? Mere pixels on your screen for you to absorb as you sip at your coffee? or are they something more? Do WORDS describe the writers emotions, thoughts and observations? Hopefully, intelligently in this posting>
As I indicated in yesterdays posting I have no intention of even giving some semblance of trying to remain objective any longer, as the readers that have graced me with thier presence and comments know, it is usually about this time in the morning that I have scanned the news and chosen a particular subject among hundreds to become bellicose, belligerent and just downright nasty about right here or over at Brightfuse. Not so today!
Yesterday, April 25, 2009 I had the distinct honor and privilege of going to the second of many to come(I hope)Area Four Special Olympics competition at Spears Field, McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I had reason to go...There is an individual that is in the day program at Rhea of Sunshine in Dayton, Tennessee that I had a special interest in...and IF I can give up a Talledega NASCAR race...you better believe it was special for me...
However, I digress, forgive me...
Moving on, Yes, it was miserably hot, but still in the grand scheme of things, that really didn't matter. What really mattered was the dedication and the intense TRY factor that each one of the Special Olympics ATHELETES showed as they competed in their chosen sport. From the two hundred meter dash to Bocci Ball, EVERYONE of the participants gave one hundred percent.
I had the chance to reflect on all of the hollywood style hype and nonsense that was given for the USOC Olympics and it aggravated me that the same kind of media attention was NOT given to the Special Olympics. That's Sad! No matter how you cut the pie, the media was generally absent, save for some local media outlets. That sucks!
Yeah, I ve heard all of the jokes about Special Olympics participants and I'll be the first in line to chop anyone off halfway up the instep if I hear another one(hey, Barack...you getting this?) .
Mind you, I did not take a numbers count as to how many participants were at the Olympics, so all of my numbers are guesstimates. But suffice it to say, there were close to five hundred atheletes there and as they completed their events they were awarded much deserved medals.
Why were they deserved?, you ask...Hmmm, maybe it's because they had more wherewithal than some folks that did not or do not have physical problems to get out there and give it all they have, First Place or Fourth place, these kids and adults stepped up and DESPITE their physical/medical problems they gave one hundred and ten percent and went home at the end of the day, worn out physically but knowing inside of themselves they did the best they could and walked away(sic)WINNERS on every level.
So, the very next time you feel the overwhelming urge to descend into self pity about YOUR problems, go to a Special Olympics event and take a long hard look at everyone of the participants, or better yet, get yourself to a facility that has a day program for developmenatlly challenged folks and look around and see the strides and advancements they make every day despite their physical/emotional problems. Unless you are an insensitive, selfish, self centered boor you WILL think differently when you walk away...
Sorry, but I have to do THIS(Well, I'm not ACTUALLY sorry, I'm doing this because I CAN) To everyone of the Rhea of Sunshine participants, like Esther, Allan, Amy, Brett, Robbie and Mike to name just a few...WELL DONE GUYS! I'm proud, honored and humbled to know you and watch you give it everything you have...that Michael Phelps guy ain't got NOTHIN' on you...Believe IT!
As usual. you are welcome to leave comments, snide remarks or...death threats, whatever makes the wheels of your little red wagon go around and around and around...
