Getting home late allows me the opportunity to watch some of the competitions at this year’s 29th Olympiad in Beijing in real time.
I’ve always cherished this memory of a past competition that was shared by Diane Berke in the May/June 1998 edition of On Course magazine. I found this on the Internet so I can’t be sure of punctuation, but here goes. ”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, all started out–not exactly in a dash–but with relish to run the race to the finish, and win. All–that is–except for 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 life is helping others win–even if it means slowing down and changing our course.”
It’s a short race to the finish line, and it’s a short blog tonight.
“There’s nothing to fear–you’re as good as the best, / As strong as the mightiest, too. / You can win every battle or test; / For there’s no one just like you. / There’s only one you in the world today; / So nobody else, you see, / Can do your work in as fine a way: / You’re the only you there’ll be!
“So face the world, and all life is yours / To conquer and love and live: / And you’ll find happiness that endures / In just the measure you give; / There’s nothing too good for you to possess, / Nor heights where you cannot go: / Your power is more than belief or guess– / It is something you have to know.
“There is nothing to fear– you can and you will. / For you are the invincible you. / Set your foot on the highest hill– / There’s nothing you cannot do.”–Letting Go–Author Unknown.
A good writing for no matter the challenge you face in life…
***
Don Jackson
Just in time!
- L. CameronI managed to catch the last 30 mins of your program today. I couldn’t sleep, the day was long and difficult. I decided to log onto the internet to see if I can get a good signal. As I live in MTL there is always an interruption in the signal.
Tonight I heard the words that was needed the most RISE UP!!!
Then the chorus from an old Steive Wonder song came to forefront it goes like this
“You will know
Troubled heart you’ll know
Problems have solutions
Trust and I will show ”
Tonight I can sleep in comfort.
Thank you for igniting the thought.
Good nite
Merci
Lydia C,
QC
Hi Don:
Just wanted to say that your blog today (Aug 14) has helped to propel me out the door to a Weight Watchers meeting, so thank you!
On another note, I really enjoy your blogs on nature. Just briefly wanted to tell you that this summer alone, we have seen an American Bittern in our backyard - I think he got lost! We witnessed a doe rabbit nurse her young just outside our family room window! Last, but not least, we watched 3 tiny baby robins fledge their nest - which is located right outside our kitchen window! My husband and I really enjoy bird watching so were enthralled to watch these tiny birds learn to fly. We hope they make it to adulthood.
This has turned out to be really long, sorry about that!
I wanted to thank you again for the inspiration just when I was ready to quit!
Sincerely,
Robin Cordner
- Robin Cordner