You are Special

As I reflect back on my time this week, spent volunteering for the Missouri Special Olympic Summer games in Columbia, Missouri it brought back a special feeling in my heart. The summer games were in an expanded format this year and started on Tuesday and will finish up today. Special Olympics always bring the heart of competition to its events and this year was no exception.

You are Special is my heading for today’s blog because I want to reflect on two individuals I was fortunate to spend time with this week at the games. My two new friends are Octavio and Tevin. These athletes participated in the Pentathlon, which consists of five events in track and field. The events are Shot Put, Running Long Jump, 100 Meter run, 400 Meter run and the High Jump. Our family was the Venue Coordinators for this event so we spent the time with these athletes during the day on Wednesday taking them to each of their events. As in past years, we were not disappointed in the competitive spirit each athlete showed. Tevin and Octavio both are athletes and love the thrill of competing. At each event they challenged each other to be the best. It never ceases to amaze me that each athlete that participates just enjoys the thrill of competition. Competition seems to be a common bond in the human spirit. As we know from previous blogs God gives us our talents and gifts and when we realize these gifts are God-given it makes us more thankful for what we have. This brings me to my title, “You are Special.” We are each SPECIAL in our way. Take some time and think right now, why are you Special? List out your uniqueness? What talents do you have? What gifts have you been given? I guarantee you if you write down the answers to these questions you will feel gratitude in your life for whom and what you are. God makes each of us Special. I hope, by you reflecting on why you are special today, you realize your blessings. I feel blessed that this week when I thought I had so many other things to do, I spent time with my two new friends that are Special Olympic athletes. Thanks Octavio and Tevin for helping me realize in my life what is special to me. (See enclosed photo of Octavio and Tevin with their respective Gold medals)

I have also enclosed a picture of my son Chris with Sarah and Beth both athletes from Columbia, Missouri as we were waiting to walk in the opening ceremonies. Please check out more information on the Special Olympics Missouri website at http://www.somo.org/ I hope you decide to join us for one of events so you can experience this SPECIAL feeling. I promise you won’t regret giving your time helping these athletes fulfill their dream of competing.

Have a GREAT day!