She tossed the bean bag near the hole effortlessly and missed.
I began to speak “Awe maybe next time, try to throw a little harder.”

It’s hard to throw when you are sitting down in a dumb wheelchair,” she spoke depressingly.
I gasped “Well don't say that. I think you’re blessed to be able to sit down whenever you want, what’s your name?”
‘Ashley,” she replied quietly and sheepishly.
She had long brown hair with brown eyes, she was six.  She was highly mannered in way that made her seem twice her age.
“I like that name very much!”
Ashley chuckled and moved on to the next station of games.

The sun was scorching and beaming on the surface of my skin.  Sweat dripping everywhere.  I thought to myself, “maybe it wasn't a bright idea to wear a long sleeved shirt in such a dry desert.”  There was a tiny draft, but it didn't help.  It only made matters worse; but when the breeze did occur it swung the smell of cotton candy and freshly popped popcorn right up my nose.  Making the stomach growl.  The small draft still felt like the devil blowing out a candle towards your face.  As always, Arizona was always unbearably hot. 

Being on the optimistic side it was great to see all the smiling, laughing, and interacting between the fellow classmates and the special needs children and teens at the Special Olympics.  Throughout the park tables full of amusing games were set up, the bean bag toss was always my favorite.  Encouraging the kids to make it into the hole was the best part.  “Come on you got it!” or “Don't give up!”  Encouraging them boosted up their confidence.  It was such a memorable moment to see the excitement throughout their face.

It wasn't as memorable as actually working with all the special needs kids.  Engaging with the ones with Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, and the ones with physical restrictions was the most interesting, reflective thing to take part in.  Playing the games, socializing with them like they had no special disability made them feel comfortable with themselves.  It was like unpacking boxes at a new home, then finally settling in. 

It is important to be comfortable with yourself as a person.  Perceiving how the special needs can be themselves without judgement, got me thinking, “if they can be comfortable with themselves why can't I?”  Being around such admiring souls and being in a content environment is a blessing.  Blessed because I don't have to go through the everyday struggles some of these kids go through everyday of their lives.  Blessed because my life could've been a thousands times worse.  And finally, blessed because I got the opportunity to meet life changing people.  The special needs aren't special because of their disability, they are special because of the impact they can make on a person’s life.