Archive for the ‘Tell it to Me Thursday’ Category

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.

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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.

Ever notice I’m usually the first one on Twitter? Thanks to my dad and the fisherman mentality, I’m usually up with the birds. Dad retired a couple of years ago and spends his time doing what retired guys should be doing - things they love. Fishing, gardening, lunch with friends, traveling with your best friend and partner of 50 years, spending time with grandchildren…

…driving kids to soccer, driving his daughter (me) and her kid and all her friends to out of state volleyball tournaments, packing and shipping pre-wrap, learning php and shopping cart technology, starting a blog, volunteering at the library, local senior center…oh wait, do most of your dads do all that?

He’s a pretty amazing guy and I am lucky to have him nearby. Yeah, he drives us all a bit crazy at times but we’ll keep him anyway.

The frog prince?

Yesterday in Twitterville people were celebrating Alice Seba’s news that she is having a girl! Visions of pink, lace, cute dresses, and dolls immediately come to mind. One day, my little princess girly-girl went “frog hunting” down at the neighborhood pond, and began her love affair with frogs. Even at 15, you will find her strolling down the road, net in hand…still fascinated by these creatures.

One Christmas a cousin bought us a retro “Smokin’ Baby” and it was the hit of the day. This little guy really does smoke! My daughter and husband were on a field trip, and came home all excited because they met the “real smoking baby!”

Actually, there is an art museum in Massachussetts that has some really cool and HUGE pieces of sculpture. It’s called the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park. It’s worth a look.

A few years ago we went on a family vacation to Arizona. We visited the Grand Canyon on a cold April day. My husband, a studio photographer, wanted to go back at sunset to take some pictures. When we got there, there were dozens of other people there with the same idea. Cameras and tripods were everywhere, lined up, waiting for the perfect shot. Dick just laughed and said to me, “They’re missing the show. Their pictures will be boring and flat. The real show is in the opposite direction.” He grabbed his tripod and headed in the opposite direction, waiting for the sun to break. As it did, we watched the most glorious scene! The colors were exquisite. When I walked back to see the ho-hum scene the crowd was photographing, it made me really appreciate his talent.

Here’s what was on the other side and compare mine to his!!!  Remember, we were within yards from each other, but facing in opposite directions.

My husband’s description of this photo:

“I was absorbed in the sounds of the city as I waited for a westbound train. Out of the corner of my eye, a large shadow caught my attention. There he was! The train station giant everyone was talking about! Luck being with me, my camera was at the ready within arm’s reach. I slowly pulled the viewfinder to my eye and squeezed the shutter. He peered ominously at an innocent traveler. I soon learned he was recently hired by the city to keep those hard-to-reach windows crystal clear! Here he is – 54 feet 3 inches tall, keeping vigil over his intended task. I think he’ll do a fine job. Keep your eyes peeled. No need to be alarmed. Rumor has it; he’s a cordial fellow!”