No one who was there for field day at Worthington, Ohio’s, Colonial Hills Elementary School will ever forget the great race. It wasn’t about who placed first or second; it was about grit, determination, support, and sensitivity. Among the eager fifth- and sixth-graders who lined up for the 400-meter event was Matt, who suffers from spastic cerebral palsy, a debilitating condition that limits his mobility and physical exertion. But Matt had determined he would run that race.
By the time he was halfway around the course, his classmates were passing him on their second and final lap. His physical education teacher joined Matt on the field to encourage him as he struggled on. He had bursts of energy and moments of near collapse. But Matt kept going with the determination of a champion. His mother cried with joy at his courage and resolve as his classmates began to cheer, “Let’s go, Matt! Let’s go!”i
He did. And as he crossed the finish line, every hand flew to the air signaling victory. Matt’s finish would stand in memory as the greatest race that day.
We can learn a lot from Matt and those who gathered around him.
We can learn about facing our challenges and pushing on, living our dreams and having the courage to try and keep trying. We can learn about kindness and support from those who run with us, no matter the pace of life.
We are better people when we are there for others—lifting them, helping them, and sharing with them the sweetness of their dreams and their personal victories. And while it’s true that those for whom you cheer will be blessed by your support, it’s equally true that your caring relationship with them will be a blessing to you as well.
i See Cameron Smith, “Inspiring Elementary Schooler with Cerebral Palsy Runs Amazing 400-Meter Race,” Prep Rally (blog), http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/inspiring-elementary-schooler-cerebral-palsy-runs-amazing-400-154523256.html.
Program #4336
“La gran carrera”
Los que estuvieron en la Escuela Primaria Colonial Hills de Worthington, Ohio, jamás olvidarán la gran carrera. No se trató de quién ganó el primer o segundo lugar; se trató de agallas, determinación, apoyo y sensibilidad. Entre los ansiosos alumnos de quinto y sexto grados que se aprestaron para el evento de 400 metros estaba Matt, quien sufría de parálisis cerebral, condición debilitadora que limita la movilidad y el esfuerzo físico. Pero Matt había decidido que participaría en la carrera.
Cuando iba por la mitad del tramo, sus compañeros lo rebasaron dando su segunda y última vuelta. El maestro de educación física corría junto a Matt para animarlo en su esfuerzo. Matt tenía momentos de mucha energía y momentos de extremo agotamiento, pero seguía adelante con la determinación de un campeón. Su mamá lloró de alegría al ver su valor y resolución cuando los compañeros gritaron: “¡Vamos, Matt! ¡Vamos!”
Y lo hizo. Al cruzar la meta, todos alzaron las manos indicando victoria. La llegada de Matt quedaría grabada como la máxima carrera de ese día. Podemos aprender mucho de Matt y de los que lo apoyaron.
Podemos aprender sobre cómo afrontar desafíos y seguir adelante, vivir nuestros sueños y tener el valor de seguir luchando. Podemos aprender de la bondad y el apoyo de los que corren con nosotros, sea cual fuere el ritmo de nuestra vida.
Somos mejores cuando apoyamos a otros, los elevamos, les ayudamos y compartimos con ellos la dulzura de sus sueños y victorias personales. Y aunque es verdad que aquellos a quienes alentemos serán bendecidos por nuestro apoyo, también es verdad que la relación de cariño con ellos será además una bendición para nosotros.
Musical Selection:
1. The Morning Breaks
George Carelsess; arr. Mack Wilberg; Arrangement Unpublished
2. Look to the Day
John Rutter; Collegium Music
3. Prelude on an English Folk Song (Organ solo)
Traditional; arr. Andrew Unsworth; Arrangement Unpublished
4. Where Is Love?, from Oliver
Lionel Bart; arr. Michael Davis; Lakeview Music Co; Arrangement Unpublished
5. Spoken Word
6. Climb Every Mountain, from The Sound of Music
Richard Rodgers; arr. Arthur Harris; Arrangement Unpublished
7. Redeemer of Israel
Freeman Lewis; arr. Mack Wilberg; Hinshaw Music
Music & the Spoken Word
A program of inspirational music and spoken word.