Special Olympics 1973 Boulder Colorado...

There was a program that was started where service men had the opportunity to volunteer and work in a civilian job for three weeks prior to discharge to get them ready for civilian life. After working in the hospital in Vietnam I wanted to be a special education teacher. I knew I was not smart enough to go into a medical profession but thought I might be able to go to college and teach special education. There was no program for that but I was able to set one up and volunteer at the Rocky Mountain Rehabilitation Institute in Colorado Springs. It was a school for mentally and physically challenged children. It was a rough start. I am really quiet and actually quite shy which made it very difficult at first. In a short period of time I was put in a class where I felt I fit in. I loved the kids and going there every day. (I was lucky to have stretched it past three weeks.) One kid's name was John and I took to him immediately. He couldn't speak but I'd see him trying to read a word with his finger under it and felt in my heart that eventually he would be able to speak. During this time the Special Olympics were going to be in Boulder. I was asked if I'd like to go with the kids and I jumped at the chance. We left for Boulder week or so later in the afternoon. Me, an Air Force Bus and Air Force bus driver and about 40 Olympians which were a combination of kids in school, older kids in workshops, etc. It suddenly hit me I was the only chaperon on the bus and really didn't know but 7 or so of those on the bus. Regardless, it was a fun time but as we got close to Denver I started to hear Mic, I need to go to the bathroom and that was echoed more and more. We stopped at a gas station and there was a mass exodus. They were in the gas station trying to put pennies in the machine for candy and pop, going to the bathroom and, well, everywhere. Stupid me didn't even then they would swarm out the doors and that I needed to do a headcount, etc. Well, the Air Force driver and me got everyone rounded up and to the bathroom and on the bus and didn't lose one of them. As we got closer to Boulder they began to shout "Whose going to win? We are we are. Who is going to lose? They are, they are." That evening there was a dance and dinner provided from McDonald's. The kids had a blast. By now, one of the teachers from the school was there and told me to go to Ronald McDonald's bus and knock and the door and say I was a coach. He had a bar in it and we could have a drink. Well, I was too shy to do that which I have always regretted. That night I got all of them them to bed in the dorms and my kids from my class got their meds, I had for them. There were helpers to stay with them for the night and off I went to a dorm room to get some Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz's. Soon there was a knocking on my door. One of the helpers was there saying I had a sick kid. I got dressed and ran to the elevator. Unfortunately it got stuck between floors and I was so worried about my kid. I eventually got back to the floor where I got on and ran up the stairs. When I got there the kid who was sick said he needed his meds. I wasn't given any meds for him and asked him was was wrong. He said his stomach and head hurt. I asked what his mother gave him and he said Anacin. I was relieved and got a couple aspirin for him. The next morning I woke up with tons of people sleeping in the dorm room. I was so tired I didn't hear them come in. That day we walked in the opening ceremonies in our donated green tank tops and my kids started winning medals. It was one of the most wonderful day's I had ever had. Finally we had the closing ceremonies and got this kids on the bus. This time there were teachers as well as myself. It didn't take long to realize I was totally sun burned on face, arms, etc. Worse yet, so were the kids. We really noticed it more when the driver turned on the heater to defog the windows due to a rainstorm. Lucking there was creams, etc. to put on the kids. After we got back to the school I had dinner at the directors house and told them of this adventure and just how wonderful it was. I went to school that following Monday totally sick and burned. When I got there the said I should have stayed home but I was excited to see my kids and so proud of them. And they were so glad to see me as well. You know, I never became a Special Ed teacher but worked with kids for a couple years after I got out of the service. I have had a good job that I worked hard at, a nice car and some good vacations. I built a new home to retire in several years ago but lost that due to financial issues. But, when it comes down to it they were only things and I don't think things were ever the most meaningful to me. It was those chance encounters with people with their kindness I'll always remember, the kids I worked with who I think of often and those GI'S whose patch I crossed with in Vietnam that I never knew but will never forget. To me the most important thing to me is "Did I make a difference?" It has been a constant struggle with me as I fell as such a failure in so many ways and have made so many mistakes. But, did I make a difference? Did I make a difference in any of these kids lives? Did I make a difference at the 24th with all those incoming and wounded GI's? Did I make a difference being with some of them when they died? How can one compare a new car, home, etc. to the overwhelming feeling of joy (or possibly sorrow)when you hopefully touch someones life even if for only a moment. Well, its time to hit the sack and fall asleep thinking of paths that have crossed.