No regrets...

My parents and Bear were able to make the two hour journey to attend Steve's funeral. It was a graveside service with many people attending, which solidifies the influence Steve had on the lives of many. Bear was visibly upset, but was very comforted when he arrived and spotted Karen Ann right away--a friend, fellow classmate, and leader to him. She had previously worked at the Workshop he now attends and works at and has always been a real friend to him. My mom said he was instantly drawn to her and left their side to be with her through the service. At one point, my mom looked over and Karen Ann had her arm around Bear. That was the one thing that sustained him through the service.

It is so hard to know how he truly feels in a situation like this. However, both of my parents said it was very evident that he was deeply affected by this. While driving to the service, he kept telling them that he was sad---my guess is that this was his way of saying he needed to be comforted as well. After the service was over and they got in the car, Bear said over and over, "Karen Ann put her arm around me." For him, that was the one thing that anyone could have done to help him get through the pain he was feeling at the time. In my heart too, I think maybe Karen Ann was comforted by Bear as well. Thank You Karen Ann for being there for Bear!

After writing about this experience, I have recieved several emails and calls. I am amazed at the people that have found out about these posts and am also very touched by the ones who have passed it on to others. Thank you for sharing this---I already know how special these guys are but love that everyone else is getting to know and fall in love with them as well.

If you ever get the chance to attend or volunteer with Special Olympics, I so urge you to do so. You will never regret spending time with these amazing athletes and heroes. You will never regret giving and getting hugs. You will never regret clapping and cheering harder than you ever have in your whole life. You will never regret the tears you shed that day (tears of joy and pure amazement at what you are able to be a part of). You will never regret falling in love with complete strangers who are tugging at your heart strings so hard, you have to consciously keep yourself in your seat. But most of all, you will never regret the lessons you learn that day from people who will touch your lives forever. You will never have any regrets about being a part of Special Olympics!