What you are teaching me

Recently, Marty, Jon and I started coaching a Special Olympics soccer team.  It was an unexpected opportunity and fulfilled one of my goals for last year.  Long story as to how we got here - but in 2 games and 2 practices, it has been one rewarding experience.

We lost 2 games tonight - the first one 2-0 in a penalty shoot out - the second 1-0 in a regular game.  It was, by far, the happiest losses in my life as a coach.  I'll tell you what - work with a team of Special Olympics "kids" and suddenly - everything gets put into perspective.

The youngest kid on our team is 18 and the oldest somewhere in his 50's.  It's a mix of guys and girls with various abilities and various disabilities.  Despite their "disabilities" - they've got some things right.  Here's a few things they have taught me.

Never take life too seriously.  There is always a reason to smile.

Sometimes trying hard and doing your best - is actually good enough.

There is nothing a little kindness can't solve.  

It's not all about winning - it's all about how you get to the end of the game.

People on a special olympics team are capable of far more than most of us give them credit for.

Being a good helper is very important.

A smile and a hug can make anything better.

There are more lessons to come - of this I am sure.  We laugh every time we are with them.  They are funny, sensitive, kind, loving, capable, and determined.

Let me share a couple of funnies with you.  Last week one of them asked me if I had a beer for him 'cause he was thirsty.   This young man has a crazy sense of humor.  It's dry and sarcastic - but he continually keeps us in stitches.  Today he slapped me on the back so hard I think he left a mark - all in good fun and while telling me "good job coach!"  Today at the game, his stomach was bothering him and I said "what's up?" and he said "my stomach hurts."  I said "drink some water" and he said "I did, and some whiskey - but that was before the game."  I said "well, maybe that's your problem then!"  We laughed and I still don't know if he's serious about all his alcohol talk!

We have another kid on the team that cracks me up.  He's a HUGE kid.  Bigger than any of us (there are like 6 coaches including Jon, Marty and I).  Today I was so proud of him.  Last week at practice we worked specifically on passing with the inside of your foot.  Today he proudly and loudly announced when he came off the field that he did everything we practiced last week - and then went on to list every single thing we had worked on.  At half time he laid on the field next to me and I said "what's wrong?" and he said "that's it! This has to STOP!  I've had ENOUGH!  You tell me when I can quit.  5 more days - 5 more x's on my calendar and I'm QUITTING!"  I said "but you can't quit - your team needs you" and he said "well, I'm going into retirement then."  Lol!!

So much fun!  We have another young lady who is injured and LOVES to help.  She tells me repeatidly all the things she does to help the team.  I love her.  She is sweet tempered and really does love to help.  I told her next practice I would have a special job for her because she can't play and wants to feel useful.  Now I have to figure out what that will be!!

Another young lady, a friend of one of the kids, came out last week to one of the practices to cheer her friend (on our team) on.  She went to do a funky handshake with Marty and as he went to slap her hand (part of the handshake), she moved her hand away from him real quick and sly and ran it through her hair - intentionally - so he would slap the air - then laughed.  Then she proceeded to high five me with both hands 'cause girls have to stick together :)  I wish she was on our team 'cause I love her sense of humor.  She's quick witted despite her down syndrome.

There are more stories to come, I'm sure.  I apologize for the length of this post.  These kids are special and I really enjoy them.  I didn't want to go tonight as I had been sick all day - but by the time the games were over - I was so happy I did.