challenges

I was watching the Para Olympics last night.

Boy do those guys and gals go. Some had only one leg, some no feet, but they skied or rode on mono skis. They did not go as fast as the others, but they went quicker than any of us would.

The event that really caught my attention was the one for the visually impaired. I had never even thought of such an idea, living a protected life, like I do.

Each competitor had a “guide” that went with them. Since this was a slalom course, they could not be beside them, but went slightly ahead. The guide shouted instructions as they went: “straight”; “left”. The whole thing went wonderfully well. One competitor misjudged the space to stop and bumped into the well padded fence.

One team (and they really were a team) was a husband and wife. Talk about trust. The guy was the guide. He went first, shouted instructions and kept an eye over his shoulder. Somehow the clock time did not matter too much.

When the race was run they all smiled and waved.

Here are people who could easily do something else and no one would argue with them, but they didn't.

I was impressed with them and depressed with some of the excuses I hear (and make).