Special Olympics 2011 | Tragic Comedy

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." The Special Olympics motto still brings a tear to my eye. I was surrounded by a few hundred special children who had in mind the winning of a medal that only circumstances like these provide.

Olivia spent most of her time just chillin' and trying to look too cool for school. Even though she was wearing Brenda's sunglasses upside-down when I took this picture.

The grueling, tortuous softball throw was no match for the dauntless competitor. I wish Olivia had a sense of what the nature of this event is - a chance to compete and achieve. She primarily does this stuff because we ask her to - not from a desire to beat those other punk kids trying to get her medal. Brenda and I have discussed what we think she is actually perceiving about all this, whether or not she'll remember anything about this at all ten years from now. Who knows? I suspect not but I'm willing to try and use this experience as a building block for a future event that will be meaningful to her.

The Prince George's County police were there as always to show support to the community. I shook the hand of this particular officer and thanked him for his presence. His short, heartfelt response was, "Of course". Like it's to be understood that this is who we serve as policemen - those weaker than ourselves, those most in need of a hand to lift them or an arm to cradle them. She looks like me twenty-five years ago being escorted by a policeman except my encounter involved handcuffs (ahem).

Dad was happy to see her smile and to feel her hug me back when I embraced her after the 25 meter mosey. This is why I'll keep taking her annually, so that she will always know how proud I am.

Two Replies to Special Olympics 2011

Erik Bates | May 7, 2011
[hidden by author request]

Jackie Mason | May 21, 2011
[hidden by author request]

Web Junkie

Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Just My Lucky Day, I Guess

Weekly shopping trips have been largely uneventful of late because of the absence of you know who, UOAS. She kind of startled me with her presence at the Safeway tonight and I wondered if God specifically was observing my sense of satisfaction over her MIA status. She noted my surprised expression and commented, "Long time no see!" Go »

Shadowlands

As much as I admire the shadow creations, I know I wouldn't be able to stand having the pile of trash responsible sitting in the middle of my rec room. Seriously, how many have a "gallery" in their home. Go »

Some Anniversaries Are More Memorable Than Others

Today is the ninth anniversary of my wedding to my child bride, Brenda. So far so good. Had to call and schedule the plumber because there is water leaking from behind the wall in the bathroom. Go »

Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes...

My wife has been bugging me lately about the amount of time I spend on the computer. She claims she's merely trying to restore my perspective. Fine. Go »