...I just got back from my 16th State Summer Games...16 - wow, that makes me feel pretty old. I have been lucky enough to experience Summer Games in different roles - a coach, an assistant to running venues, just a supportor and finally the organizer of the games. I also have been able to participate in 2 different states and different programs, which opens my eyes up to so much more.
I will never forget how it all started, my interview with Lambs Farm, with Kreig and Bob, asking questions, me fresh out of college, just wanting to have a job when the summer was done so I could not be worried about finding a job anymore. In my mind, it would be a job that gave me some time to figure out what to do with my life. Little did I know that it would become such a huge part of my life. I feel like when I got the call for the job, I wasn't even smart enough to ask any questions other than I'll take it. I don't know if I recall all the details of my first day, but I do remember when I started to meet some of the participants in class, how welcoming they were, how not nervous I was, how it all just felt right to be there. So, I spent 6 years there, coaching Special Olympics, teaching other classes, becoming a part of the family that we had in the recreation department. It was great, I can still remember all the smiles and happiness at events, the fun we would have, especially at State Games and everything in between. Sure, it wasn't always great, but I knew it was where I belonged.
When the chance came to work for Special Olympics Illinois, I was thrilled to apply. I knew some of the ins and outs of the events and some of the staff, but I had no idea how this job would change my life even more. I started in Chicago working with some passionate staff and coaches that were so committed to the events and the athletes. I got to learn so much by working on very large events, I got to meet so many great athletes, coaches and volunteer groups that were making such a difference. I was making a difference...and so where all the people I worked with. I began to gain a second family, people always having my back, people supporting me and jumping in to help me whenever I needed it, even if we didn't always disagree. And then I moved jobs, moved back to the area where Lambs Farm athletes competed and let me tell you...going to an event and getting a minimum of 20 hugs from people that really care about you and really miss you in one of the best feelings in the world. I said I'd never leave that job unless I went to run the state events.
Which is when the move came up, and it was so hard to leave the Special Olympics Illinois family, the athletes, the coaches, my co-workers, the volunteers that I got to know and everyone in between. After all, Liam had such an amazing extended family, as did I. I'll never forget his first winter games at 6 weeks...he was so loved by so many people and got so many snuggles. And his first Summer Games, when he was just done with everything and instead of going out, we took some wine up to my hotel room to hang out so the kid could sleep. I better stop with all the great memories, I might get teary eyed and it's been almost 4 whole days since I have cried, ha! But the job was more than a job, it was my second family that had been there when I met Sean (which was at a Special Olympics event). The crew got us a kayak that we still use and I think about everyone each time we use it. It was hard to tell everyone I was leaving...so hard. But I got through it and the best part about that family, every single one of them told me it's where I belong, with maybe some swears mixed in there. Maybe that was their way of getting rid of me, but I'd like to think it's because they all cared so much about me and my family.
Fast forward to today, I sit here a week after our State Summer Games in Colorado and I couldnt' be happier with my decision. Sure, I miss my SOIL family, but now I have another family out here to add to all of that. Following Liam's first games, Cora was at her first Summer Games at just about 6 weeks and she got more snuggles and love that I think I recall, having been slightly exhausted over the weekend from a newborn. Liam is so welcomed at all the events, when he doesn't show up, people want to know where he is. And it's been so fun getting to know more and more athletes and coaches. The volunteer groups I work with amaze me each time we meet, their extra dedication to help out is something that carries over to the events and it's awesome.
At the end of the day, my extended family has grown and grown as my personal family has, all are welcome, all are accepted and cared about. And in the end, it's right where I want to be doing what I want to do, hard to call it a job most days which keeps me grounded after 16 years of this...wonder how many more I will make?
