Last June I posted here about volunteering at the 2011 Summer Games and how rewarding of an experience it was. Being a part of these events gives you this feeling that is hard to describe and makes you feel like you a part of something big.
My friend at the Special Olympics sent me an email this week suggesting that I bring tissues to the dinner. I could see why. As soon as I walked in the door and saw the NJ members of Team USA walking around with their medals that they won at the National games I was tearing up. I knew it was going to be a great night.
We were excited because Colin made a quick appearance in the opening video of the night. Before dinner there were awards for the sponsors of the Special Olympics and then after dinner we were privileged to have Eric LeGrand as the guest speaker for the evening. If you are unaware of who he is, he was a football player at Rutgers University who was paralyzed last football season during a game. Since his injury, he is well known for his heart and determination to improve and one day walk again. He was incredibly inspiring and we were able to go up to tell him and his mom at the end of the evening. The one really neat thing about Eric was that he has been involved in volunteering with the Special Olympics long before his injury.
However, for Chris and I, the highlight of the evening after a very inspirational, amazing and heart warming awards dinner, was to see our little boy, up on the big screen to end the closing video of the night. Now, Chris and I were already crying through the entire video because it was that great, but then when you think the video is ending, Colin appeared on the screen! Needless to say, I was balling.
What an emotional and amazing night. While I was sitting there crying through the video, all I could think was wow...I am so lucky to be a part of this. I am so Thankful for Colin.
special thanks to the special olympics of nj for sharing the video...what an amazing night. Thank you!
9 comments:
What a great video! Thank you for posting! Now I need to go get a tissue!!!!
How beautiful is that?!
I love volunteering for the Special Olympics... I look forward to it every summer ! I loved the video Kelly it made me cry too...Colin was adorable ! Its so inspiring to see all the athletes and what they can accomplish !
OMG - I am bawling after watching that too! We are so thankful to have Colin as one of Tommy's friends - and now we honored to be in the presence of a celebrity! That video was awesome! My favorite halftime at our basketball games is when we have the Special Olympians come play a game at basketball. The kids are so talented and determined, and remind all of us what is truly important and to be thankful every day for the blessings in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you...P.S. Loved hearing Colin say 'heart' today when Chris dropped him off and I happened to still be there. He went down the hall for therapy, and Tommy kept asking, "Where Colin go?" It was like a letdown to have him come in the room and leave right away! Tommy was missing his buddy!
Oh Kelli, that was so beautiful! You must have been so proud...Even I cried! Loved it :)
Ohmygosh, those shots of Colin are making me cry, too!!!! How exciting that must have been for you guys! Sounds like a great event. :-)
WOW - Colin always wears his BEST smile when a sport is involved:=)..especially when there is a ball! Have to admit I got insider information prior to your posting this awesome production - Colin has fans of every age in many zip codes!!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL THE WEISS'!
I should have made sure I had tissues when I watched that video. They all looked so happy, especially Colin. I can't wait for Piper to start.
I am a slobbering mess!! Thank you so much for sharing that video, I loved it. We are so lucky!
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