Reality Check

[Joanie]

Reality Check



And to think the general public calls these people  "retarded"...



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, they all started out,  not exactly in a

dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and  win. All,

that is, except 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 Downs 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

forseveral minutes.  People who  were there are still telling the story.



Why?  Because deep down  we know this one thing: What matters in this

life is more than winning for  ourselves.  What matters in this life is helping

others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course.



If you pass this on, we may be able to  change our hearts as well as

someone else's...



"A candle loses nothing by  lighting another candle."





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