It made me feel good

[damppanties]

I got this in an email and felt like sharing.

=======================================

And they call some of these people "retarded"...

A few years ago, 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, and 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 more than winning for ourselves is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.

*****

Never Let your Successes go to your HEAD and never let your failures go to your HEART.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

This is a great story and so true. My father has worked for MHMR (Mental Health Mental Retardation Services) all my life and my sister and I would visit the client homes with him. They (clients are the retarded folks living in the state's care) all adored us and, though we were usually more capable of handling things than they were, it made no difference to them. They worked and worked to achieve the smallest goals and did it all in the name of love and friendship.

The worst thing people can do is treat them as lesser people, or simply refuse to acknowledge them at all.

Validation for being who you are and how you are is free and easily enough given, if people only take the time.

~lucky (has learned a great deal about living from people who couldn't even tie their own shoes)

 

[csharp_7]

Hi DP, a very touching story indeed

Hi DP,

That's indeed an amazing n touching story. Fumbled upon it, and thanks for sharing. It will be on my mind from now on.

Sharp.

 

[rgraham666]

Sometimes it seems we 'normals' are too smart to be good.

 

[Somme]

Sometimes it seems we 'normals' are too smart to be good.

Agreed. Best I've read all day.

 

[Guest]

i loved that when i saw it on tv the other night. thanks for reminding.


btw....IVE MISSED YOU FELLOW BLANKET SNIFFER!

 

[3 Legged Donkey]

It's an old thread.

 

[NoJo]

(hi, 3ld)

 

[Guest]

It's an old thread.

well, fuckaduck.
i didnt notice.
*sigh*

 

[3 Legged Donkey]

(hi, 3ld)

Yeah, and more

(Hi Sub Joe!)

 

[Liar]

Just to let ya sad faces know, dampy is still around. After a posting hiatus since some time last year, I bumped in to her her again a few days ago on the feedback forum. Mad busy though so she doesn't post much.

Still, I missed this when posted last time. And it's a warming story, so I'm gratefiul for the bump.

#L

 

[Guest]

I miss her. Best reader a writer could have.

 

[Dar~]

I used to volunteer for a special needs class at my school. those kids were so loving. Mathew was always so happy to see me adn he remembered me for years after. (down syndrome)

 

[minsue]

Evil tease!

*scampers off to harass ol' drippy drawers*