Variety’s Child and the Paralympics
As a proud Aunt I’m about to share with you great news. Our family is so excited, but first you must know how it came to be. One Olympic party came to a close and another celebration started, the Paralympic Games. Many determined athletes are competing right now to represent their country and in my opinion to help us realize that nothing is impossible. It may not get as much coverage as the Olympics but there is just as much enthusiasm and joy, disappointment and dreams fulfilled every day that passes.
My niece Callie, is participating in the closing ceremony! She is going to be on a sit ski and her father will be right at her side. She came into this world 1 lb 4.3 ounces but she has a mighty spirit, designed to battle through and we are blessed to know her. That infectious smile warms everyone that comes in contact with her and though she can’t communicate verbally she is expressive in so many other ways. Just like any other little child she has friends she has met at school and her cerebral palsy has not stopped her from trying horseback riding, swimming and skiing.
Callie was recently featured in the Variety Clubs Lotto pamphlet with the customized van that was donated to my sister and her husband. This is a such a good organization and we can’t thank them enough for all that they do for families everywhere. Callie is making her mark already in this world in large part to the hard work of her parents but also because of organizations such as Variety. I want to focus on the remarkable gifts that come from knowing children like Callie and the many people who make it possible for them to participate in life in a way the rest of us take for granted.
These Paralympians, know this. Not to take anything for granted. I see the value in supporting the organizations who assist children and adults to participate in sport, no matter what their ability level is. There have been many miracles and we truly still don’t know what the human body and brain can accomplish until examples are brought forth such as these. Callie is a symbol of that to me. I don’t know yet what she may say about what she has done in her short years with us, but I bet when she gets to finally communicate she’ll have a lot to share. One of those stories will be the day she sat on a sit ski and sailed down a slope for the Paralympic Closing Ceremony, Vancouver 2010.
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After spending most of the past week in bed because of a severe muscle spasm last Wed. that sent me to hospital in an ambulance, not to mention days of consuming painkillers, I really appreciate reading this very uplifting, heartwarming blog this morning! Thank you Jennifer for sharing Callie’s inspirational spirit and story. A big congratulations to her on such a wonderful achievement! It’s people like her who make me remember how incredibly fortunate I am. xx
Having troubles with my blog site today, so Christine I’m responding on site the old fashion way.
I’m so sorry to hear you have been experiencing so much discomfort and pain. There is no reason to minimize what you are experiencing, present circumstances for you are clearly affecting your enjoyment of life. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Callie and others like her are truly inspirational and it is good that her role in this post and indeed in the ceremonies uplifted your spirit. We are all fortunate in so many ways, including Callie. All persons with disabilities are only limited by self acceptance and public perception of what they are capable of; thankfully there are visionaries who know different.
Again, I send you healing energy and thanks for taking the time to respond.
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