I've been a little delinquent with blogging about wedding stuff lately (short vacation, a little bug to fend off, and other end-of-summer distractions). Unfortunately, that trend continues with this post. I just finished watching the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
Weddings and the trials of ordinary life feel very small in comparison to the amazing courage of these Paralympic athletes. It is awe-inspiring enough to watch them gather to compete. But to see my sister's face among the USA athletes parading into the Bird's nest ... breathtaking. It will come as no surprise that I bawled throughout the broadcast (which I hope will be available to view again on www.universalsports.com).
At the close of ceremonies, the Olympic flame was passed from a woman with one leg in a wheelchair, to a man with prosthetic legs, and finally to a woman with a seeing-eye dog. She hands her torch to a wheelchair-bound man who literally hoists himself (and his chair) up by pulley to the foot of the torch. (See Rueters photo below from UniversalSports.) It was a testament to the unparalleled strength of these outstanding individuals.
Please say prayers for Emma and her teammates. And if you have time, check in at universalsports.com or paralympicsport.tv for updates on her competitions.
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