Last evening I watched part of the opening of the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. Athletes proud, as they well deserve, marching down the center of the arena. The pride of their efforts in their faces and gait, prance.
Not showing in that brief moment were the injuries, failures, those who did not meet the cut, the times a team mate bolstered another with encouragement.
During the opening ceremony was the malfunction of one snowflake to open to complete the 5 Olympic Rings ..meticulous time, planning, effort, not perfection, yet, wonderful.
A media reporter mentioned that the young girl floating in white, 'Lubov' (Love), had broken her arm, yet, insisted she still go on with her performance.
My heart swelled when I heard about the Nepal team. Dachhiri Sherpa, cross-country skier has no illusions about his third Olympics. "I think there is a very big chance I will finish last. But the placing is not important if I can teach young people in Nepal about the Olympic spirit. This spirit is in my heart."
How many times have we had meticulous investigation by medical professionals, only to have an "imperfect" outcome? "A broken wing of the spirit", so to speak, yet we go on.
Despite our best efforts we "feel" we have finished last, not made progress?
We champion our team members here.
There are those in the forefront who post. And there are those who read and we may never know. Yet, we encourage all, attempt to guide through the maze, allay fears, anxiety with experience, strength and hope.
Humans are perfectly imperfect, simply complex, intriguing. Chronic illness adds another dimension, albeit uninvited.
Still as with an athlete it is imperative to have team support.
During the Olympics millions will watch very few win a medal, and will see others finish "in their time".
There will be a wide gamut of emotions played out. I now have more empathy.
So dear team, for a moment I envisioned 'You' marching down the center of the area waving your flag.
Dachhiri Sherpa
"I think there is a very big chance I will finish last. But the placing is not important if I can teach young people in Nepal about the Olympic spirit. This spirit is in my heart."
Amanda
Thank you for posting your thoughts. They are beautiful, and I agree with everything you say.
KAthyx
I agree with you too. Thanks for posting. :)
I am happy you enjoyed the post.
*Showed post to DH without logging in and there were 'strange' symbols.. needed a team-player..lol
Watching the games, Barbara
Wonderfully worded thoughts, and how true. Thank you for posting this!
Gail