Happy Hearts at the Special Olympics Today

I volunteered with some dear friends at the Special Olympics in Sweetwater, Tennessee today.  It was a great way to spend the morning. I went to cheer on the kids. Since I am also taking a photography class, I took my camera with me.  They put me to work taking pictures of the competitors, and I had a ball.

The weather absolutely stunk. It was cool and drizzled most of the time, but the competitors didn’t seem to mind. Neither did their families. The energy was so positive and so happy that I didn’t want to be anywhere but in the rain with those wonderful people.

The Games began with a torch-bearing relay followed by the lighting of the torch. Nervous and excited participants smiled for me and threw their arms around the nearest person to pose for a picture. The games included running, walking and  ball-tossing (including bocce ball).

My friend, Dee, told me what to watch for–and he was right. He said, it’s not as much about the finish line as what happens afterwards. The post-event interactions were really heart-warming — the high-fives, the hugs, the coaches praising their athletes and the athletes proud of their accomplishments.

It was good stuff, real stuff, the stuff of life. Joy. And I got to be part of it. I’m thankful for that.

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

– the most excellent motto recited by today’s participants.

It was a good day, today. My heart is still happy from time well-spent at the Special Olympics. Thanks, Dee. You are a good man.

Pictures:  I have some great pictures from today, but I don’t think it is right to post them. They’re other people’s kids and I wouldn’t want someone putting pictures of my kids online without my knowledge or consent. Also, on the pictures front, I found there was a cool camaraderie with the  other photographers. I enjoyed that as well.

Well, I am heading off to bed with a happy heart.