The Saturday Journal: Special Children. Special Day. Special Olympics.

I saw the eyes of a blind child today.

And when she was given her prize ribbon for participating--she smiled the biggest smile and it wasn't because she could see the shiny blue and gold ribbon--it was because of the words that were said to her. 'You did a great job--an awesome job'. And then she touched the ribbon--felt the silk--and she smiled again.

We are the Champions blared over the intercom as the athletes and their coaches and teachers marched around the track. Opening ceremony--their parade. And students from the high school and volunteers and teachers and coaches--grandmothers and grandfathers--mamas and daddies, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, and local businesses--all came together--clapping--with their hands raised high--cheering and shouting these young athletes' names--their school names. In support.

After the parade one of the teachers and coaches--she had her students--her athletes all seated on the ground in a circle and she said to them, 'Winning is great, but it's not all about winning--remember--we are here to have fun today'. Maybe all our young athletes need to hear this more often--these words spoken from a very wise lady.

His face and his smile is a constant around Special Olympics--he once participated as an athlete himself in these very same Olympic games. Now he spends his time coaching other special athletes and raising money--state-wide for Special Olympics. He's been sharing his story with me for a while now and on this day he grinned and said, 'My very first event was in ice skating--back in 1992'. And then his countenance change a little as he looked out over the field and then back at me, 'I miss this--I miss it so bad.'

And there was a quiet that came over us.

On the field and the track were young high school students patiently working with these beautiful children--encouraging them to keep going when they missed the ball--keep going--cross the finish line--whether you are first or last--it didn't matter--keep running--keep trying--because again, winning didn't matter.

And there was this one Mama and she shared with me how happy it made her to see her child thriving--excelling--trying new things--and not just her child, but so many of the children--on this very special day.

And this same Mama, she wore a t-shirt and the words read--"I will speak for you. I will fight for you. I will advocate for you. So one day you can do it by yourself. Mama Bear."

I took one last look at the poster on the concession stand wall--the one that read, Let me win, but if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt. And I walked toward the center of the field and there is was--the hope flame still burning brightly. And as I drove home-- I couldn't help but shed a few tears--not tears of sadness--but the kind of tears a heart of joy can't hold.

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The Saturday Journal.

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All photos @copyright Tathel Miller, unless otherwise credited to another photographer.