What's Really Important

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine
contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled
at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun they
all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with the relish
to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt,
tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other
eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and paused. Then
they all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One
girl with Down's syndrome bent down and kissed him and said,
"This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and
walked together to the finish line.

Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went
on for 10 minutes.