I Never Expected Gold

Despite triple digit temperatures, Grandy & Ty ventured out to volunteer with the Special Olympics of Northern California today. We worked the Tennis Venue, and met some AWESOME folks.

Barbara was an independent woman, who lives on her own, who had such a joy about her. She was AWESOME!! She used that word with everything, and her enthusiasm was so contagious. She also happened to think that the "babe shagging the balls was SO CUTE". Oh yeah...the babe? You guessed it...

Obviously Barbara has excellent taste. She was adorable as she hit Mr. Ball Fetcher directly with the tennis balls, and giggled profusely.

As a scorekeeper, I got to interact with the participants in the skills competition. These are some talented folks who, although they work hard, don't necessarily possess the skills to compete in a full match.

My partner athlete was Shilo. She was equally adorable and enthusiastic. She seemed to get a bit nervous when it was her turn, but as her scorekeeper, I would stand where she could aim at me and she did GREAT!! Each person had this charm and enthusiasm about them, it was absolutely great. We didn't even mind the fact that it was hotter than the depths of hell...so much.

At the end of the event, it came time for the announcement of the medals. Adorable Shilo, who had only picked up a racket a couple months before last year's event and still scored a silver, was anxious to know how she did. She wanted a gold SO BAD! Her mom was there with her, and I could tell she wanted it for her too.

The Special Olympic Oath Reads: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." I couldn't help but be nervous for all these athletes who worked SO HARD, and yet want to hug each of them who were so very brave throughout.

And then...the announcement came...

OH YES SHE DID!!!

She won the GOLD folks!!

Her reaction when she won????

I never EXPECTED Gold. I HOPED for it, but didn't actually EXPECT it.

You deserved every ounce of that Gold Medal lovely lady!!