My Olympian

There is very little that stands in the way of my oldest son, Nathan. He's been met with so many medical and developmental challenges in his life, yet he always rises above and moves beyond those obstacles.

Well, yesterday he was able to participate in the Special Olympics Field and Track Competition that was held at one of our local high schools for the special athletes in St. Louis. Because of the weather and my health I was unable to attend, but Nathan came home and spent 15 minutes telling me ALL about it! He was just glowing!

Nathan's "buddy" is now his new crush. Her name was "Elise" and she volunteered to spend her day taking Nathan to his events. He came home with a picture of the two of them together and has yet to put it down. I'll scan it in this weekend to share with all of you.

So, how did he place? Well, it doesn't really matter ... but I'd love to brag! Nathan received one first place, a third place and a fourth place ribbon! He did best with the "shot put" competition (which is really a tennis ball ... you know, to avoid injuries to the other athletes who might get in the way of a real shot put ball!) which is no surprise seeing he is an avid baseball fan. His third and fourth place finishes came in the 100 meter dash and another short distance run. For a kiddo who didn't walk until he was 3 ... this is exciting too!

I called the Athletic Director who organized this event this morning to thank him. As a parent it is a HUGE thing to have another child accept the responsibility of caring for and befriending your child with special needs and doing it with respect and love like Nathan's buddy, Elise, gave to him yesterday. I hope that those high school volunteers understand just how much it means to the special kiddos and their families. God Bless Them!

Until Tomorrow,

Kathy ... Very Proud Momma of a Special Olympian