THIS will be justthebest experience EVER! I burst to my mother, who offered her typical, yet encouraging smile. My words began to slur as I hastily continued, There isthis new program in school calledAllied Soccer, Mom! There'll besome handicapped kids and somefriends withme to help out andteach soccer! Needless to say, I was about as prepared for this experience as a penguin is prepared to fly.
Days later I ambled onto a grassy field, eager for practice. All of a sudden, the situation hit me literally and figuratively, as a ball cam pelting out of the clouds. I was the sole member of the team who was not disabled.
I felt singled out, alone. Separated from all friends, I awkwardly hung by the side of the field. That is, until I was recognized and my name was yelled out. In a split second I was surrounded by faces of people I had never met. They swarmed like bees, asking me questions, shaking my hands, welcoming me, the newest member of their team.
Over the next few weeks, I watched as they laughed and splashed though life with joy written in their countenances. They were hated for the wickedness of being innocent, and yet were determined not to care. They learned not to settle for appearance, but to welcome all. They were seen as the lowest of the low, and yet they achieved the greatest insight and comprehension. For they, unlike most people, applied the basic rules learned in kindergarten and loved all.
