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 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. 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."
All nine linked arms and walked across
the finish line together.
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 truly matters in this life is helping
others win, even if it
means slowing down and changing our course.

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