Memoirs of a Peacock: Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies

The Special Olympics oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt."

My family and I was lucky enough to go to the VIP dinner and Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics on Thursday.

It was such an inspiring and emotional event. We will never forget this experience. We got to stand in the high five line and that was AWESOME! This is where all the athletes and coaches walk by you and you high five them. There was 1200 athletes and 500 coaches. We told the athletes good luck and the coaches thank you for all they do.

My hubs got to meet Randy and Bob Harmon. (if you live in Utah, you know who they are.) They are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet and they do so much for our community and especially to the Special Olympics.

When we were in the stands the Jazz Bear came up and gave this woman who was in her 40's, in a wheelchair, had Down Syndrome & Cerebral Palsy a big "bear" hug. She just started crying and although she was unable to talk you could just see the happiness in her eyes. It was so touching to witness.

When we were having dinner we met a boy named Marlo who's event is soccer. He was such a funny kid. He bonded instantly with the Wee P and was teasing him thru out the night. We also met his mom and she is a wonderful human being. When we were in the high five line we saw Marlo and shouted his name. He got the biggest smile on his face and started jumping up and down. He then played punched the wee one.

I'm so proud of the Wee P for helping out in his schools special needs program. I'm so proud that he loves to volunteer. I'm so proud that he will stick up for those who can not stick up for themselves. I'm so proud that he sees everyone as equals. Doesn't matter color, gender, gay, or special. The hubs and I are doing something right.

Can't wait to go to the games on Saturday.

Here's video of the lighting of the cauldron: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahkBdWQ5RZI