Inspiration from the weak

The dolphin couldn't jump higher than other dolphins, it could talk as a human, in most ways it could only do normal dolphin activities. Yet this one was an inspiration, one that hollywood made a story about. I am talking about Winter the dolphin with the artificial tale.

Why was that story so important? What drew many people in, why is there a successful website to watch this dolphin?

There are those who are great performers in life, those with natural talent and abilities who can do things the majority of us can't do. The athletes, the talented leaders, artists in every field of work. In general we respect these people and if they are extremely special we remember their names and their story. But very infrequently are we are inspired by these people.

Inspiration comes from the unlikely stories, the greater the tragedies the greater the inspiration. A girl surfer who had her arm bitten off by a shark. I suspect not many can name any other good young surfers. Yet we remember this one story.

What are the stories and people that inspire us?

Last Thursday night while Kyle was a "football player" for a night I thought through how many "normal" kids play football on a regular basis. A good percentage of kids play at least some level in their lifetime. It really isn't a big deal, it is normal. Yet it was a very big deal when Kyle was presented with his football jersey. He will never earn one with his play, he will never be able to do what many take for granted, yet for that one moment in time he was a small part of this team.

I was curious/concerned how Kyle would be recieved by the team. A bunch of high school boys, athletes. How would they view Kyle? In the end I had nothing to worry about, by the time we left Kyle had 50 or so new friends.

He shook hands and fist pumped more than any other time in his life. He was able to be one of them in a strange way for an evening. Laughing, joking and being on the field. It was small and in many ways insignificant time spent with these guys.

After Kyle got comfortable he started telling these players, that when he got older he was going to play football. A couple of the bigger lineman were standing with him when he said this. I didn't know how they would respond. I was uncomfortable so I didn't know how they would react. But in gentleness and sincerity they affirmed Kyle and said something to the effect of we hope so. They leaned over and told Jill we are so greatful we have this ability that we take for granted.

Kyle isn't like them and probably never will be physically, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have anything to offer. Kyle is very simple minded and doesn't even realize that he is giving off hope, love, and shows of determination of living life, even though the simple things in life are difficult.