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| Travis, Tyrell, Dave and Richard |
I spent much of yesterday at a Special Olympics basketball tournament with my son. It was, most definitely, one of the most rewarding days of my life. I felt as if I were on heaven's doorstep, surrounded by angels. There were athletes of all ages and sizes and abilities. There were some athletes who really understood the game of basketball, and a couple who needed much assistance from their coaches. And these coaches! All were angels themselves. It takes very special people to put aside another person's handicap and to teach them. These athletes are learning much more than basketball skills. They are learning crucial interpersonal skills, teamwork, and most of all, they are learning that they are capable.
There is one athlete, Joey, from my son's group who has Down's Syndrome. There is never a question as to how Joey feels about you. He cannot walk past without giving a hug. He grabbed my youngest son and just held him for a long time and told him how much he loved him and how sweet he was. "I love you" is the phrase that I've heard most often come from Joey's mouth.
Another teammate, Tyrell, has taken it upon himself to watch after my son. When Tyrell knew that my husband wouldn't be able to make it to the games, he quickly assured him that he would take care of Travis. And sure enough, as I pulled into the parking lot to meet the bus the team would be taking to their tournament, Tyrell came bounding down the stairs to make sure Trav would be sitting with him on the bus. When we all arrived at the sports complex, Tyrell made sure to show Travis where the restroom was and where they would be playing. He truly was his brother's keeper.
In between games, Isaac, another of Trav's teammates, made sure that my three younger kids weren't going to be hungry. He showed them his duffel bag full of granola bars and chips and told them to help themselves. He complimented Trav's basketball skills and offered his advice. He thought of everyone before himself.
I've never seen Dave or Richard without smiles on their faces. Dave introduced himself to the referees and the other coaches and made instant friendships. These are just happy people.
As I was reading this morning in Alma Chapter 5, I read some questions that Alma had directed toward his people as he was preaching. One of them in particular seemed appropriate to my experience yesterday:
Have ye received his image in your countenances? (Alma 5:14)
When I think of the image of Christ, I think of love and charity and unselfishness. I think of Joey and Tyrell and Isaac and Dave and Richard and Travis. They truly have the image of Christ engraven upon their countenances. There is no wondering where you stand with them. If only we could all receive His image in our countenances as they have, this would surely become Heaven on Earth. I am so blessed to be able to associate with people of their caliber, and I know that if I could even strive to have their image in my countenance, I would be all the better for it.
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