Saturday, June 13, 2009

Endeavor Games Continued

We just came back from the closing ceremonies of the Endeavor Games. Wow. Wow. Wow!

We have had a packed schedule the last couple of days and are exhausted but oh so happy. It's going to take a while to process everything- the amazing people we've met, deep conversations, inspiring stories, witness to phenomenal victories as athletes over come significant challenges... It's easy to say that this has been a life-changing event.

Most impactful is the obvious- that Elias has had the opportunity to be surrounded with others who are like him. I've loved to see all the kids (and adults too) compare prosthetics. No one stares. No incessant questions. Legs lying around all over the place like it's the most normal thing in the world. :-) He has been so free to be himself.

There are many pictures and lots of stories to tell. But it's late and this hotel internet is slow. Here are a few pics for now. Stay tuned for more once we're home and rested.

Hanging out with new friends

Having some fun before the races start

Hanging out with the "competition" in the runners tent

The big 60m race!

5 comments:

  1. Oh wow! What a wonderful experience for Elias (and you guys) you must be so proud of him!
    Glad you guys are keeping busy!(though I am VERY disapointed we didnt see you in NY!!) :)

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  2. OK so it is times like this when I see how wonderful God is and how amazing my best friend in the world and her fabulous son are. Elias is too young to know this now but I will make sure he knows one day just how inspiring he is to me. He reminds me that anything and everthing is possible. What an AMAZING kid. Next year, I am there! That kid deserves a fan club :)

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  3. I LOVE all the pictures from your last 2 posts. I am so glad you guys were able to go. What an amazing time for Elias. I hope that is is life-changing for him (in the best ways!) Looking forward to hearing more!

    Edelawit is doing great! We're waiting for our Shriner's appt. and tentatively planning for her surgery next Feb/March. Thank you so much for all of your encouragement and support. I know you can imagine how much it has meant to us. We're doing great, and excited for her to someday be able to walk well! We'll keep you updated...

    --Carrie in Hillsboro
    www.willinghearts.blogspot.com

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  4. Wow, I love it! I can only picture all of this in my head, but what a wonderful picture it is. I'm sure he was on cloud 9 the entire time.

    Hope all your adoption stuff is going well. We leave July 4th!

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  5. Hey yall missing having updates of Elias. Can yall post something soon. Missing you, Susie

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