Freshman year. Gym Class. My daughter, a real competitive athlete is ecstatic because they’re playing…

Dodgeball

Every athlete’s favorite game in gym.

Teams are formed. She spots the toughest boy in her class.

She hurls the ball at him, knowing she is right on target.

He dodges.

She cringes.

Her life is never the same.

*************************************

I knew nothing of this until I stopped in her room that night to say goodnight. “Mom,” she sobbed, “I hit the special ed kid in gym class. I feel so bad. I don’t know what to do or say. I don’t even know his name.”

She cried herself to sleep, but not before she vowed that she would make it up to this kid she hadn’t even met yet. She promised that she would introduce herself to him and offer to be his partner at the next opportunity.

She did. And she was his partner for every activity for the rest of the year. She made sure her passes went to him. That he’d be the one to score the goal, or make the basket. That she greeted him every day with a smile and a chat. Soon, she’d meet all of his friends. She’d sit with them at lunch, and join in their Red Sox vs. Yankees banter. They invited her to their Buddies meetings once a month after school and she joined the unified basketball and track teams.

The pictures for this WW are from the Special Olympics track meet. As you can see from her face, she loves these kids. She loves reading with Mary while waiting for the next event, and offering piggy-back rides for long walks. She loves creating special handshakes with each of the athletes. She loves knowing their interests and talks with them about what gets them excited. Every week she walks to Melissa’s house, polishes her nails, watches a movie and plays some hoop.

I have spent countless hours on the sidelines watching my kids play. Listening to parents scream and rant at players, coaches, and refs. I went to my first Special Olympics track meet this month and learned exactly what “Special” means. My daughter has a heart of gold. I am blessed to be her mom and blessed to have met these amazing families.

Categories : Tell it to Me Thursday