Special

This past Saturday I spent the day in Nashville at Vanderbilt's track. My boyfriend's sister has an autistic son. His name is Kyle and he is 23 years old. Kyle had participated in the Special Olympics here in Clarksville back the first of May. He ran in the 100 yard dash and the 50 yard dash. He participated in the same two events this past Saturday at the state Special Olympics. He won the gold medal in the 50 and the bronze in the 100. Needless to say, he was very excited.
It was a beautiful day all around. Hanging out with the participants was such a humbling experience. I did not want to be anywhere else that day. I wanted to support Kyle, after all, he has supported my boys and his brother when they played baseball. I experienced a total different sports atmosphere. These athletes constantly had smiles on their faces, laughter, spirit, and support for their fellow athletes. It was awesome! When they crossed that finish line, they were so excited and happy. They had accomplished what they set out to do...to finish. They did not have to finish first, they just wanted to finish. And when they finished, the roar from the supporting crowd gave me chills.
I had a fantastic time yelling when they would go by. They would smile so big when they heard their supporters...some would get so tickled by the audience they would lose their balance. And when they would line up on the podium to receive their medal they would dance.
If our children who have no disability would just have the same outlook as these fine athletes did, what a difference...If our parents would instow in their children the true meaning...what a difference. It is just having the mindset that you put your best into it, no matter what place you finished, but that you did finish makes a huge difference on one's outlook on life.
I learned much from those athletes on Saturday. I know I am running a race now, living day by day. We find ourselves wanting to give up and it is so easy to feel that way these days with how the world is.
But God wants us to run the race, stay focused on that finish line...finish...finish...I can hear Him and feel Him pushing me to that finish line just like those volunteers for the Special Olympics.
And then we can look into His glorious face and as He looks down into ours we can hear Him say, "well done good and faithful servant"
With admiration I want to thank all the volunteers who share their love and patience with these special athletes. You are my hero.

Middle Son Graduating

Well, it's here. Josh's graduating this coming Saturday (May 24) from high school. I have been upbeat and happy and just okay for the past months, participating in all his Senior year activities. This weekend it has hit me. I am emotional. I have talked to my sister and my stepmom today, in between sobbing that is. I can only imagine my emotions on Saturday around 3:00 pm when I have to watch a picture slide show of the Rossview High School class of 2008. I am very proud of Josh and his accomplishments throughout his eighteen years. Josh is a good boy. He has made good grades, chosen good friends, played sports, and has kept a good head when making decisions.
I think I am emotional because he has left this evening on his way to Bluefield, West Virginia. His father is driving him. He is going to meet with the baseball coach of Bluefield State College. This coach wants him to play baseball for him next year. He has offered him a scholarship. Bluefield State is an engineering school. Josh has talked about architecture as a major before. If he chooses to go to Bluefield State he will major in architectural engineering. He is really excited about this opportunity.
Josh just wants to play ball for somebody. He has a love for the game more than anyone I have ever met. I just pray he makes the right decision in choosing his school. I would love for him to play for someone too, but I also want him to get a good education. I want him to be happy and comfortable with his surroundings. I want him to study and realize his priorities. Here I go, a few sentences ago I said Josh was a good boy with a level head on his shoulders. Talking about being a typical mother...I pray for his sweet heart and that he will not be afraid to say no if he does not like the looks of the campus. I can hear him now ," moma, I want a play ball" "mom, I am eighteen, I know what I am doing and I know not to jump on decisions." Why can't I just let go and have faith not only in God but in my son. My pastor preached an awesome sermon on parenting this morning. When I left church, I looked at my Mike and said, " I am letting it go. I am at peace now." "God is in control." I told Josh I was at peace and I would support him in his decision. I told him to pray, that God has such great things for him but for him not to give up on God. Live for God.
Whomever reads this, please pray for Josh. Pray peace for him, for a safe trip, and pray that he feels God's love and guidance as he makes a BIG decision for his life. And pray for Josh's mom too. I have a feeling she needs it a lot more than Josh...and Josh would tell you the same thing!