Inspiration Plus

This weekend is Washington State Special Olympic Winter Games. Yesterday I took Alex, Eric, and Nora to their cross-country skiing time trials. Last night, I attended the opening ceremony. Due to work, I can not make any of the events this weekend. However, I got some of the flavor yesterday. Winning is important to the athlete's but more important is doing their personal best. What a difference in our world if we all just strove to do our personal best instead of having to be #1. The smiles of triumph in simply finishing the race and crossing the finish line is inspiration plus. The cheering on of each other, the encouragement of the coachs and families, and the sheer joy of accomplishment is inspiration plus. One skier took baby steps, stopped half-way along, and with much encouragement from the crowd finally made it to the end - inspiration plus. When I told people that I was moving out here and working with my special friends many said that I would be such a help to them. But, they have and continue to teach me daily, affirm me daily, and are inspiration plus.