Some people understand life better, and they call some of these people "retarded"... At the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash.
At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.
The other eight heard the boy cry.
They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back......every one of them.
One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better."
Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.
Everyone in the stadium stood, the cheering went on for several minutes.
People who were there are still telling the story... Why? Because deep down we know this one thing:
What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.
If you pass this on, we may be able to change our hearts as well as someone else's.
"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"
May we all be cognicent of each other and their feelings. May we guard our tounges, think before we act and ask ourselves if it is really the right thing to say or do. this was not an original thought, but sent to me on my email. I wish I could take credit for such wisdom.
Thank you Cp! You are so inspirational. That was so beautiful. You've got to love downs syndrome kids. They just see everything w/ some much joy and excitement.
What a coincidence, I had an appointment today with a student and she had a year old baby with down sundrome. My heart went out to them as they gushed over my little Emily's pictures. I told her that no matter what, we were both blessed. He was so cute, but I felt her heart crying.
