The Slow Human Race
contributed by Tom Hocking
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 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 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. Pass it on...we need to change our hearts.
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Last update:
29 March 2002