We all gathered at the entrance gate.
Drinking water in my hands slightly cool
As coaches 'pep' talked to the mates
Offering his team support being their guiding tool.

An annual race of accomplishments was to be shared.
The love, the compassion...of what could be seen
The smiles...win or lose...who really cared?
Some diseases forgotten and replaced with words, 'friends and team'.

It was the first time I had attended...
As an effort to resolve some of my own personal wants.
To help the handicapped as they contended.
Stepping in to offer support where others may make rival taunts.

The girls were the first to race in their league.
Lined up, toes forward, and their eyes on the trophy prize.
A blind girl with her guide following his lead.
As well, he told her where she was, "next to the other guys."

"The whistle will blow on the count of three!
The end of the race is the second yellow line!"
Announced a distinguishly dressed referee.
The count...the whistle it was time!

The girls began running and the crowd was all in!
One hobbled along, she was waiving and smiling at the crowd
Not caring that she'd not place a win
But at the line she cheered for the other just as loud.

The blind girl with her lead
Tilted her head listening to the crowds' uproar
Finishing next to last in her heap
She let go from her lead and cheered even more!

The girl that got first place
Gladly received her award.
I turned to hide my face.
I could feel my inner happiness as my tears simply poured.

I offered my best of cheer
Noticing and one of the girls saw right through
She announced, "he's crying you guys! See the tear?"
I smiled as I nodded, shaking hands another dad...he was too.

The boys lined up and they showed no fear
The exchanged boyish remarks
The whistle blew, once again, the crowed loudly cheered
As the young men were leaving their mark.

I shuffled around just to see
The faces of others standing there
I noticed a man standing next to me
He clenched a picture of his boys...yes, they were a pair.

One stricken with what they refer to as "downs",
The other with impaired sight and merely deaf
"C'mon boys! you got this!" his voice did pound.
Poorly dressed but I could tell he was doing his best.

Yet, another boy won the race
His face stayed cheerful and smiling
The boys had the same joyous raves
As did the other boys as they came in piling.

I learned something great that day
It wasn't about who loses or wins
Or what others might even do or say
Go out there with happy heart...and share it with your best of friends!

Learn more about this author, Watauga Dave.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

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